Recent trends on nano-biocomposite polymers for food packaging

Abstract

In recent years, much attention has been focused on research to replace petroleum-based polymers by biodegradable materials. Specify, polymer from natural sources have been considered as the most promising materials for this purpose. However, materials manufacture from natural polymers (e.g. polymeric films) generally present poor mechanical and high water sensibility. A recent alternative to improve the physical properties of natural polymeric films is a reinforcement with nanoparticles, producing nano-biocomposite polymers. The present chapter reviews the state-of-the-art with regard to the use of polymers obtained from biomass and their reinforced with nanoparticles, aiming food packaging applications. This chapter, especially include information about: (1) the use of casein, collagen/gelatin, chitin/chitosan, gluten, soya, starch, whey and zein as macromolecules to manufacture polymeric films, (2) the use of carbon nanotubes, chitin whiskers, metal nanoparticles, nanocellulose, nanoclays and starch nanocrystals to reinforced polymeric films, (3) the main physicochemical properties of nano-biocomposite polymers. The use of casting, tape casting, thermoforming and extrusion to manufacturing polymeric films; as well as the recent applications of nano-biocomposite polymers as food packaging and active/intelligent food packaging materials. Others topics such as nanoparticle migration, future prospects and limitations in nano-biocomposite polymers will be included in this chapter.