Biodegradable active nanocomposite-film for modified atmosphere packaging

Abstract

Green alternative for the shelf life extension of perishable products is modified atmospheric packing. Here, the chemical preservatives are replaced by headspace oxygen and carbon dioxide tuning in such a way that the CO₂/O₂ ratio is ≥ 1, along with inert filler nitrogen to control the respiration. However, the challenge here is the existing packing material like PVA that does not control the diffusion of the gases against atmospheric equilibrium. Hence, here, the natural lingo cellulose, i.e., jute tethered silica nanoparticles reinforced-stretchable and five-folds improved elasticity PVA/PVP/JSNC membrane with the ability to control the oxygen and carbon dioxide transport across the membrane, has been prepared. Model climacteric fruit bananas, packed with a 2:5:93 ratio of O₂:CO₂:N₂ using the modified packing system in a tray with a PVA/PVP/JSNC 0.3% membrane and stored at room temperature exhibited and improvement in the shelf life. Apparently, the extension of the shelf life has been confirmed to be due to the limited O₂ transport across the film into the headspace of the pack. Thus, our observation shows that compared to normal packing the JSNC nanoparticles reinforcement extends shelf life by 3 more days, which aligns with industry applications. The PVA/PVP/JSNC film is naturally degraded after being buried in wet soil at ambient conditions for 20 days.