Jul 2026· International Journal of Biological Macromolecules· Vol 378, pp.
153767
· 0 citations· 53 references
Medicine
Abstract
Fish scale waste was valorized to develop a biodegradable active film with enhanced preservation performance. Gelatin and hydroxyapatite were extracted and combined with chitosan, while syringaldehyde was incorporated as a natural crosslinker and antibacterial agent to construct a dual-network structure. The combination of HAP reinforcement and SA-induced crosslinking promoted the formation of a denser organic-inorganic network structure, thereby improving the physical performance and functional properties of the films. Compared with the blank GC film, the incorporation of HAP and SA led to the formation of GCHS films with overall enhanced physical performance and functionality. Especially, the optimized GCHS3 film exhibited improved elongation at break (51.7%), UV-blocking ability (blocking >99% of UV passage), DPPH radical scavenging activity (82.3%), and antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (with inhibition zone diameters of 14.09 mm and 24.00 mm, respectively). During cold storage of beef samples, the GCHS3 film efficiently inhibited microbial growth, delayed the accumulation of total volatile basic nitrogen, and retarded pH increase, while maintaining the original color characteristics of beef. Consequently, the shelf life was extended to 9 days, which is superior to PE packaging. This study provides a novel strategy to incorporate fish scale-derived inorganic fillers and natural crosslinkers into protein-polysaccharide systems. The GCHS3 film exhibits great potential as a sustainable alternative for active food packaging, especially for fresh meat preservation.
To overcome the limitations of conventional biopolymer films and reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics, a nacre-inspired film was developed via 3D printing. During printing process, shear-induced alignment of mica flakes was achieved within a sodium alginate/xanthan gum matrix. Additionally, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were incorporated to achieve a synergistic reinforcement effect. Structural analysis revealed that the mica flakes within the film exhibited an oriented distribution, with ZnO NPs uniformly embedded in the interlayer voids, and hydrogen bonding assisted in forming a dense network of the components. Performance testing showed that the tensile strength rose from 13.8 MPa to 62.9 MPa. Improvements in water resistance and thermal stability were also observed. Furthermore, the material exhibited outstanding comprehensive protective properties, including a low water vapor permeability value of 7.587 × 10−11 g·m/m2·Pa·s, an ultraviolet blocking rate of 99.37% at a wavelength of 280 nm, and the ability to completely inhibit target bacterial strains, while also possessing good biodegradability and recyclability. Shelf-life tests indicated that the film fabricated in this work could notably prolong the shelf life of strawberries. Biocompatibility test results indicated that the film was safe and non-toxic, and showed no significant cytotoxicity.
Shengsi Hu, Chenfeng Yu, Mei Xu et al.· Foods· 0 citations
Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) films exhibit limited functionality, a constraint that impedes their large-scale application in food packaging. The objective of this study was to modify CMCS films with longan seed extracts (LSE) to enhance their comprehensive performance. The fundamental physicochemical properties of LSE were characterized, and the structure-performance relationship of the resultant blended films was explored. All samples were characterized for microstructure, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, UV-blocking ability, and antibacterial activity. The findings indicated that incorporating LSE imparted the films with a tensile strength of 24.91 ± 3.80 MPa and an elongation at break of 35.59 ± 4.27%. The water vapor permeability of the samples decreased, ranging from 29.57% to 51.25%, and the ultraviolet shielding efficiency was enhanced by 4.31-4.82 times. The incorporation of LSE effectively addressed the functional limitations of neat CMCS films. This work presents a viable strategy for fabricating high-performance active packaging films using extracts from agricultural by-products.
B. Chen, H. E. Khoo, Xia Li et al.· Food Chemistry· 0 citations
While chitosan has emerged as a leading biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, its high moisture sensitivity and limited active functionality often compromise its barrier performance and shelf-life extension capabilities in food-packaging applications. In this study, citric acid-crosslinked chitosan films plasticized with glycerol and functionalized with sorghum glume extracts were developed and characterized. Film thickness remained uniform (0.046-0.056 mm), indicating good casting reproducibility, with reduced water sensitivity, resulting in moderate water solubility (16.8-19.5%), and low water vapour permeability (0.533-0.605 × 10-9 g·m-1·s-1·Pa-1). Increasing glycerol content enhanced film flexibility, with EAB reaching up to 53.47%. Sorghum extracts improved the functional performance of the films, reducing transparency and increasing UV-light shielding while enhancing antioxidant activity. The highest antioxidant performance was observed in films containing 10% extract. SEM analysis revealed smooth, homogeneous, and defect-free surfaces, whereas FTIR and DSC analyses suggest strong intermolecular interactions leading to improved thermal stability and matrix cohesion. The immobilized 3-deoxyanthocyanidins exhibited pH-dependent color responses across a pH range of 1-12 and maintained their coloration under alkaline conditions, reflecting their inherent stability. However, the gradual color transitions indicate greater suitability for active antioxidant packaging than intelligent pH-indicator applications. Moreover, 10% extract-loaded films represent the most promising candidates due to their superior functional performance. The incorporation of sorghum glume extract transformed chitosan films into active bio-based systems with enhanced antioxidant protection, improved light barrier properties, and maintained physicochemical stability.
T. E. Jeke, D. D. Herrera‐Balandrano, G. Leni et al.· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
The escalating need for biodegradable packaging has driven search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic plastics for efficient food products packaging. This research presents a functional gelatin (Gl)-tannic acid (TA)-coated chitosan (Ch) based composite film incorporating mushroom extract (ME) and curcumin extract (CE), which was developed for fresh chicken preservation in refrigerated conditions. The mechanical strength of composite biodegradable films was markedly enhanced when compared to gelatin. The structural and morphological analysis supported strong interactions between components and the development of a compact and uniformly structured polymer matrix. The optimized Gl/TA@Ch/ME/CE film showed reduced moisture content (9.8%), lower solubility (22.4%), decreased swelling (28.5%), and 51% lower water vapour transmission rate, UV-blocking properties and improved low oxygen permeability (1.3 ± 0.15 × 10-9 g·cm/cm2·s). The film exhibited superior antioxidant activity (25.83%), total phenolic content (52.12 μg GAE/mL), and significant antibacterial performance against strains of E. coli and S. aureus. Plant toxicity and developmental toxicity on zebrafish and 97% biodegradation within 48 h confirmed safety and good biocompatibility. Application of the optimized film to the fresh chicken samples significantly reduced the weight loss, delayed pH increase, preserved the texture, and reduced the microbial growth. These results suggest the synergistic effect of tannic acid-coated chitosan and gelatin led to enhancement of strength and stability of the film, and curcumin extract and mushroom extract improved functionality, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This research establishes an innovative strategy for fabricating high-performance, bioactive packaging composite films exhibiting superior potential for food safety applications.
Tanu Singh, Piyush Verma, Preiti Deol et al.· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
The spoilage of shrimp is primarily caused by the rapid proliferation of microorganisms. Therefore, the development of packaging materials with active antibacterial properties is a key strategy for controlling quality deterioration. The Gold nanostars@Co-based metal-organic framework (Au@Co-MOF) nanozyme exhibited excellent oxidase-like (OXD) activity. Based on this, this study prepared antibacterial composite films containing Au@Co-MOF using a chitosan/ gelatin (CS/Gel) blend as the film-forming matrix. The incorporation of Au@Co-MOF and the composite of CS and Gel improved the mechanical, barrier, and antibacterial properties of the films. Compared with the commercial film, the CS/Gel/Au@Co-MOF (CGA) film substantially retarded the increase in total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and total viable count (TVC), and better preserved the sensory quality of shrimp during 4 °C storage. In summary, the antibacterial packaging system developed in this study offers a promising solution for achieving efficient preservation of shrimp.
Wanqing Zhang, Jiatian Gao, Hengyi Xu· International Journal of Bio...· 0 citations
Tissue patches are biomaterial-based structures designed to support the repair of damaged or functionally impaired tissues and are required to exhibit biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and suitable surface characteristics. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan (Chi), and hyaluronic acid (HA)-based composite films reinforced with zeolite (0-0.5% w/v) were developed and evaluated as potential tissue patch materials. The incorporation of zeolite significantly influenced the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films. The elastic modulus decreased from 293.78 ± 64.47 N/mm2 for the zeolite-free film to 106.21 ± 9.50 N/mm2 at the highest zeolite content, indicating tunable flexibility. Water contact angle values increased from 46.09° to 67.23°, while maintaining overall hydrophilicity. The films exhibited rapid swelling behavior, reaching equilibrium within 30 min, and demonstrated controlled biodegradation with mass losses exceeding 75% after 42 days. Biological evaluations showed that all formulations maintained cell viability above 70%, with values ranging from 87.26% to 78.63%, and supported cell adhesion, confirming their biocompatible nature. The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating that low-concentration zeolite incorporation enables controlled tuning of mechanical, surface, and biological properties within a single PVA-Chi-HA system, without compromising biocompatibility. These findings highlight the potential of zeolite-reinforced composite films as multifunctional and customizable tissue patch candidates for tissue engineering applications.
Hasan Hüseyin Gülercan, Seda Genç Şimşek, K. Kızılbey et al.· Biopolymers· 0 citations
