Effects of Quercetin and Organically Modified Montmorillonite on the Properties of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Thermoplastic Starch Active Packaging Films

Abstract

The poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) film stands out owing to its acceptable price, low impact on the environment, and excellent mechanical properties. The main objective of this study was to improve the antioxidant properties of the PBAT/TPS film by incorporation of quercetin (Q) through the extrusion blow process. Another specific objective was to incorporate the organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) to prolong the release of Q and improve the poor barrier properties of the PBAT/TPS/Q film. The films were analyzed in terms of their morphology, mechanical properties, gas and water barrier properties, and antioxidant and anti-UV properties. Optimization of the OMMT content resulted in a fiber-like, co-continuous morphology of the PBAT/TPS/ Q film. The incorporation of quercetin enhanced the antioxidant and anti-UV properties of the PBAT/TPS film, while OMMT improved the mechanical properties, ultraviolet barriers, and gas and water barrier properties. The results show that the films incorporating Q and OMMT provided the oxygen and water barrier by up to 94 and 54%, respectively. Also, the amount of polymer required for 50% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition is as low as 0.03 g, and the UV transmission rate was reduced by about 50%. Moreover, PBAT/TPS/Q/OMMT films successfully delayed the decay of the banana and blueberry due to their excellent antioxidant properties and suitable water vapor permeability.

Evaluation the Potential of Onion/Laponite Composites Films for Sustainable Food Packaging with Enhanced UV Protection and Antioxidant Capacity

“…Some studies with montmorillonite and halloysite clays have shown significant changes in antioxidant properties when incorporated into biopolymer materials [20,21]. However, based on our research, there are no existing reports in the literature regarding the use of Laponite clay as a natural biopolymer modifier to enhance the antioxidant properties of materials when applied to food packaging.…”

Influence of scutellaria baicalensis extract on the thermo‐oxidative and composting stability of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)

“…PBAT film after incorporating curcumin showed effective antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and its water vapor barrier was improved 35 . The composite films after the addition of quercetin into PBAT/thermoplastic starch through extrusion blow molding, showed enhanced antioxidant and UV resistance, with an oxygen barrier of up to 94% 36 . In addition, it is reported that the biological nanocomposites of cumin essential oil/PBAT/organic clay were prepared by solvent casting approach, which exhibited improved UV barrier performance, antibacterial and antioxidant activity 37 …”

“…35 The composite films after the addition of quercetin into PBAT/ thermoplastic starch through extrusion blow molding, showed enhanced antioxidant and UV resistance, with an oxygen barrier of up to 94%. 36 In addition, it is reported that the biological nanocomposites of cumin essential oil/PBAT/organic clay were prepared by solvent casting approach, which exhibited improved UV barrier performance, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. 37 In our previous works, some natural substances have shown strong antioxidant activity, such as bamboo leaves, 38 punica granatum peel, 39 pine needle, 40 puerarin, 41 forsythia suspense, 42 and scutellaria baicalensis.…”

Enhancing Gas Transmission Rate of PBS/PBAT Composite Films: A Study on Microperforated Film Solutions for Mango Storage

“…Environmental concerns regarding plastic food packaging waste have recently increased, with both packaging manufacturers and consumers becoming more conscious of the use of petroleum-based plastic films. ,, The development of biodegradable films made from natural resources offers a solution to the critical problem of plastic waste disposal, replacing fossil-oil-based packaging materials. Biodegradable polymer packaging, such as poly­(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly­(butyrate adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), has gained traction due to favorable processability and excellent mechanical and biodegradable properties. − These materials are appropriate for packaging applications, but one drawback associated with biodegradable polymer packaging is the inherently low gas permeability, limiting its suitability for preserving the freshness of perishable commodities. , Gas permeability of biodegradable plastic films can be improved by using laser perforation technology. , When a laser beam is directed onto the film surface, energy is absorbed, generating heat that melts and removes the plastic material, resulting in the formation of small holes. Microperforated films are now used in the packaging of fresh food products using MAP. ,,,, This cost-effective technique enhances the gas transport properties of the packaging films by introducing microperforations as tiny holes with diameter of less than 300 μm .…”

“…Biodegradable polymer packaging, such as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butyrate adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), has gained traction due to favorable processability and excellent mechanical and biodegradable properties. 15 − 17 These materials are appropriate for packaging applications, but one drawback associated with biodegradable polymer packaging is the inherently low gas permeability, limiting its suitability for preserving the freshness of perishable commodities. 18 , 19 Gas permeability of biodegradable plastic films can be improved by using laser perforation technology.…”