Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Ethylene Scavenging Antimicrobial Films Incorporated with Various Types of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles to Extend the Shelf Life of Fruits

Abstract

TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized hydrothermally and modified by Cu2O using a sol–gel method to provide photocatalytic activity in visible light. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based films were prepared by adding TiO2, TNTs, and Cu2O-modified TNT (TNT-Cu2O). The TiO2-based nanoparticles (TiO2, TNTs, and TNT-Cu2O) were uniformly distributed in the base polymer to make compatible and flexible films. The incorporation of nanoparticles significantly enhanced the UV-shielding properties of the film while slightly decreasing the transparency. Incorporating nanofillers improved the film’s mechanical and water resistance properties depending on the nanoparticle type. The TNT-Cu2O-added CNF film (CNF/TNT-Cu2O) showed the strongest antibacterial activity in visible light, followed by CNF/TNT and CNF/TiO2 films. The CNF-based films were used for tomato packaging to evaluate the ethylene scavenging property of the films. The CNF/TNT-Cu2O film scavenged ethylene gas produced in the headspace during storage, delaying the tomatoes’ discoloration, softening, and weight loss. CNF/TNT-Cu2O films are expected to be excellent composite films for the active packaging application of fruits and vegetables.

Design and Development of Robust, Daylight-Activated, and Rechargeable Biocidal Polymeric Films as Promising Active Food Packaging Materials

“…Consistent with literature results, VK 3 could generate good amounts of H 2 O 2 , · OH, and singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) under these two lighting conditions, proving that VK 3 could undergo both path I and path II photoreaction mechanisms, respectively, in the EVA polymer (Scheme ). − …”

Porphyrinic Metal–Organic Framework-Loaded Polycaprolactone Composite Films with a High Photodynamic Antibacterial Activity for the Preservation of Fresh-Cut Apples

“…However, the surface of the apples after light irradiation had only slight browning and still had high moisture. The main reason is that the film provided a barrier for oxygen and water vapor to delay the color change and reduce the water loss of the apples. , Most importantly, no macroscopic colony grew, indicating that the PCL/MOF-545 (10%) film had a good antibacterial effect on fresh-cut apples under the light condition.…”

“…Plastic wraps have played an important role in protecting fresh fruits and vegetables. , Traditional food packaging materials are mostly synthetic plastics made of petroleum. However, synthetic plastics are non-renewable resources and not biodegradable, which is harmful to the environment .…”

Ethylene Scavenger from Brick Ash: A Sustainable Alternative

“…10,11 There are various types of ethylene stoichiometric oxidizing agents reported, such as ozone (O 3 ), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and its nanoparticle-based scavengers, osmium tetroxide, etc. 9,12,13 Catalyst-based scavengers have also been reported. For example, platinum loaded with mesoporous silica coated on scaffolds of cordierite membrane has more than 100 times the surface area of the cordierite membrane alone, thereby exhibiting a high decomposition capacity for ethylene.…”

“…Some commonly used products to reduce ethylene from the environment are potassium permanganate, sodium manganate-based sachets, 1-methylcyclopropane, silicon dioxide, alumina and titanium dioxide-based scavengers or the combination of these as granules . Among these, KMnO 4 is a commonly used ethylene scavenger, due to its high oxidation capacity, which oxidizes ethylene and is itself reduced. , There are various types of ethylene stoichiometric oxidizing agents reported, such as ozone (O 3 ), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and its nanoparticle-based scavengers, osmium tetroxide, etc. ,, Catalyst-based scavengers have also been reported. For example, platinum loaded with mesoporous silica coated on scaffolds of cordierite membrane has more than 100 times the surface area of the cordierite membrane alone, thereby exhibiting a high decomposition capacity for ethylene .…”