Russian researchers have developed a biodegradable composite film that allows food to “breathe” while protecting it from ultraviolet radiation, bacteria and moisture. The scientists’ paper was published in the journal Nanomaterials.
At the center of development is tea tree essential oil, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, it is difficult to introduce it into the composition of a conventional polyethylene film – some components of the oil are volatile. Russian experts have come up with a solution – “wrapping” tea tree oil microparticles into nanocontainers. The biological activity of the substance is maintained by the gradual release of molecules from the capsules.
For their development, the scientists selected the widely used biocompatible MIL-100(Fe) metal-organic framework, a porous crystalline material that is environmentally produced from iron salts and organic acids and whose physical properties can be controlled.
The active ingredients of tea tree oil were incorporated into the organometallic framework under vacuum conditions and at a temperature of 85 °C. The filled nanocontainers were placed in a matrix based on two plant polymers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carrageenan, used in the food industry as a thickener and to retain moisture.
During the tests, the best results were obtained in samples where the nanoparticle concentration did not exceed 2% by weight. Experiments have shown that the developed films have antibacterial activity and block ultraviolet radiation, which accelerates food spoilage and reduces shelf life. In addition, the proposed materials showed good wear resistance, strength and moisture resistance.
Polyethylene is still cheaper than all alternatives, but in the near future the cost of such a film will be low enough for practical use, one of the researchers, Valentin Novikov, head of the Department of Chemical Physics of Functional Materials at MIPT, expressed hope.
Source: Ferra
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