Functionalization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-Based Bioplastic with Phloretin for Active Food Packaging: Characterization of Its Mechanical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities

Abstract

The formulation of eco-friendly biodegradable packaging has received great attention during the last decades as an alternative to traditional widespread petroleum-based food packaging. With this aim, we designed and tested the properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-based bioplastics functionalized with phloretin as far as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and morpho-mechanic features are concerned. Mechanical and hydrophilicity features investigations revealed a mild influence of phloretin on the novel materials as a function of the concentration utilized (5, 7.5, 10, and 20 mg) with variation in FTIR e RAMAN spectra as well as in mechanical properties. Functionalization of PHA-based polymers resulted in the acquisition of the antioxidant activity (in a dose-dependent manner) tested by DPPH, TEAC, FRAR, and chelating assays, and in a decrease in the growth of food-borne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932). Finally, apple samples were packed in the functionalized PHA films for 24, 48, and 72 h, observing remarkable effects on the stabilization of apple samples. The results open the possibility to utilize phloretin as a functionalizing agent for bioplastic formulation, especially in relation to food packaging.

Fermentation Techniques and Biotechnological Applications of Modified Bacterial Cellulose: An Up-to-Date Overview

“…Generally, many polymers, including PHA [131], oil seed cake [132], alginate [132], chitosan [133], cellulose, carrageenan [134], or pectin [135] and their derivatives are used as biofilm-forming materials [122,[134][135][136].…”

A Review of Recent Developments in Biopolymer Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems with Antioxidative Properties: Insights into the Last Five Years

“…It can be accumulated by both native and recombinant microorganisms, often reaching up to 80% of the cell's dry weight. Due to the excellent biocompatibility and yet with processing issues, most of the research highlighting the utilization of this polymer is based on coatings applications, where diverse antioxidative and antimicrobial agents were immobilized or incorporated in PHB carriers [271][272][273]. Additionally, other examples of PHA utilization in DDSs with antioxidative properties are given in Table 3.…”

Exploring the Potential of Roselle Calyx and Sappan Heartwood Extracts as Natural Colorants in Poly(butylene Succinate) for Biodegradable Packaging Films

“…Numerous studies have documented the exploration of alternative materials, particularly bioplastic materials, as substitutes for synthetic and non-biodegradable petroleumbased polymers. Among bioplastic materials used for biodegradable packaging, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) [6][7][8][9], poly(hydroxy butyrate) (PHB) [10], poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) [11], poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) [12], polycaprolactone (PCL) [13], polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) [14], and poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) [15] are reported to be biodegradable and biocompatible polymers.…”