Erythrosine–Dialdehyde Cellulose Nanocrystal Coatings for Antibacterial Paper Packaging

Abstract

Though paper is an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic as a packaging material, it lacks antibacterial properties, and some papers have a low resistance to oil or water. In this study, a multifunctional paper-coating material was developed to reduce the use of plastic packaging and enhance paper performance. Natural cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with excellent properties were used as the base material for the coating. The CNCs were functionalized into dialdehyde CNCs (DACNCs) through periodate oxidation. The DACNCs were subsequently complexed using erythrosine as a photosensitizer to form an erythrosine–CNC composite (Ery-DACNCs) with photodynamic inactivation. The Ery-DACNCs achieved inactivations above 90% after 30 min of green light irradiation and above 85% after 60 min of white light irradiation (to simulate real-world lighting conditions), indicating photodynamic inactivation effects. The optimal parameters for a layer-by-layer dip coating of kraft paper with Ery-DACNCs were 4.5-wt% Ery-DACNCs and 15 coating layers. Compared to non-coated kraft paper and polyethylene-coated paper, the Ery-DACNC-coated paper exhibited enhanced mechanical properties (an increase of 28% in bursting strength). More than 90% of the bacteria were inactivated after 40 min of green light irradiation, and more than 80% were inactivated after 60 min of white light irradiation.

Enhancing biodegradable polymer surface wettability properties through atmospheric plasma treatment and nanocellulose incorporation

“…Cellulose, the world's most abundant renewable resource, boasts an annual production of 830 million metric tons via photosynthesis. This surge in research is propelled by various factors, including concerns over fossil fuel scarcity, escalating costs, heightened environmental consciousness, and burgeoning green energy Shi, Ouyang, et al, 2024;. Meanwhile, the application scope of PLA has continued to evolve since its inception in the early 1980s, initially targeting human organ repair materials like surgical sutures and tissue engineering scaffolds (Agrawal & Ray, 2001).…”

Enhancing mechanical properties of polylactic acid through the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals for engineering plastic applications

“…Annually, 11 million metric tons of plastic are added to the staggering 200 million metric tons circulating in our oceans [1]. From stray plastic bags and straws finding their way into gutters to vast volumes of improperly managed plastic waste from booming economies, this is equivalent to dumping the contents of a New York City garbage truck into the ocean every single minute of the year.…”