Preparation and characterization of biopolymer-based packaging materials have significantly gained importance because of sustainability, biodegradability, and eco-friendly nature. In this study, novel wheat gluten (WG)/cloisite 30B (C30B) organoclay-based bionanocomposite (BNC) films were prepared by solution casting method at various C30B concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%). X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed intercalation/exfoliation of C30B sheets into the WG matrix. WG-C30B 10% film was thermostable. It showed low surface roughness along with higher water barrier properties and surface hydrophobicity. The tensile strength values of WG and WG-C30B 10% films were found to be 0.7 +/- 0.02 and 1.11 +/- 0.01, respectively, indicating improvement in mechanical properties. WG-C30B 10% film demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica. Shelf life of green grapes was monitored under different conditions: 4 degrees C, ambient conditions, and 42 degrees C. WG-C30B 10% film proved effective in extending shelf life up to 18 days under ambient conditions. More than 50% of the bionanocomposite films were degraded in agricultural soil within 2 weeks, while completely degraded in sewage sludge soil after a few days. WG-C30B 10% film appeared to be promising regarding the demonstrated physico-chemical and antibacterial properties. This report would be useful in preparing biodegradable biopolymer-based packaging materials.

The increasing issue of plastic waste necessitates improved solutions, and biodegradable food packaging is a promising alternative to traditional plastic. In this study, we prepared packaging films using cassava starch (CV), chitosan (CT) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), with glycerol as a plasticizer. However, these films require modifications to enhance their mechanical properties. Therefore, we modified the films by adding vanillin as the crosslinking agent and gingerol extract stabilized silver nanoparticles. The films were fabricated using the filmcasting method and characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, mechanical property test, biodegradability test, antibacterial test and food packaging evaluation test. Among these films, CT/CV/V/CMC/Gin-AgNPs1 exhibited superior mechanical properties and demonstrated excellent anti-bacterial property both for gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria and biodegradability, losing over 50% of its weight after 21 days of burial in soil and effectively preserved grapes at 4 degrees C for 21 days.

Post-harvest loss of fruits and vegetables, and health risks and environmental impact of current plastic packaging warrant new biodegradable packaging. To this end, cellulosic residue from agricultural processing byproducts is suitable due to its renewability and sustainability. Herein, soyhulls cellulosic residue was extracted, solubilized in ZnCl2 2 solution, and crosslinked with calcium ions and glycerol to prepare biodegradable films. The film combination was optimized using Box Behnken Design and film properties were characterized. The optimized film is translucent and exhibits tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, hydrophobicity, and IC50 of 6.3 f 0.6 MPa, 30.2 f 0.9%, 0.9 f 0.3 x 10-10 gm-1 s- 1 Pa- 1 , 72.6 degrees, degrees , and 0.11 f 0.1 g/mL, respectively. The water absorption kinetics follow the Peleg model and biodegrade within 25 days at 24% soil moisture. The film extends the shelf life of raspberries by 6 more days compared to polystyrene film. Overall, the value-added soyhull cellulosic films are advantageous in minimizing post-harvest loss and plastic-related issues, emphasizing the principles of the circular bioeconomy.

In the pursuit of enhancing food packaging, nanotechnology, particularly green silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), have gained prominence for its remarkable antimicrobial properties with high potential for food shelf-life extension. Our study aims to develop corn starch-based coating materials reinforced with G-AgNPs. The mechanical properties were examined using a uniaxial tensile tester, revealing that starch coated with the highest G-AgNPs concentration (12.75 ppm) exhibited UTS of 87.6 MPa compared to 48.48 MPa of control paper, a significant (p < 0.02) 65% increase. The assessment of the WVP showcased a statistical reduction in permeability by up to 8% with the incorporation of the hydrophobic layer. Furthermore, antibacterial properties were assessed following ISO 22196:2011, demonstrating a strong and concentration-dependent activity of G-AgNPs against E. coli. All samples successfully disintegrated in both simulated environments (soil and seawater), including samples presenting G-AgNPs. In the food trial analysis, the presence of starch and G-AgNPs significantly reduced weight loss after 6 days, with cherry tomatoes decreasing by 8.59% and green grapes by 6.77% only. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly packaging materials, aligning with the UN sustainable development goals of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.