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Chitosan and Starch-based Compositions Modified with Nanostructured Titanium Dioxide as an Alternative to Synthetic Packaging Materials
Summary
This review pulls together research on food packaging made from chitosan and starch (natural, plant-based materials) instead of regular plastic, which sheds harmful microplastics into our food, water, and bodies over time. Scientists found that adding tiny amounts of titanium dioxide particles makes these natural packaging films stronger and better at blocking light and bacteria—potentially offering a safer, biodegradable alternative to the plastic wrap and containers that break down into the microplastics we now know end up in our organs and bloodstream.
The global production of polymers produced is about 438 million tons per year, of which about 40% are packaging materials. The vast majority in it falls on non-biodegradable polymeric materials from petrochemical raw materials. Many polymer products are disposable, end up in landfills within a month after manufacture and are not recycled further. The situation has been exacerbated by the Covid'19 pandemic. Improper collection, storage and disposal of single-use plastics are a major sources of environmental pollution. Unrecycled plastic accumulates in the world's oceans and on land, and is broken down by environmental factors into micro- and nanoplastics. These particles end up in water, air, plants and through the food chain into the human body, where they are toxic to various life support systems. The use of partially biodegradable polyalkanoate polymers for packaging does not avoid problems with the formation of nanoparticles due to their long biodegradation times. The review considers the main results in the field of production and properties of biodegradable packaging materials and protective films for food products based on polymers of natural origin - chitosan and starch. The main problem with polysaccharide films is brittleness. In this regard, the review highlights the characteristics and achievements of their modification with TiO2 particles. Inclusion of small amounts of TiO2 in polysaccharides provides high physical and mechanical properties of films, light protection properties, and antibacterial activity and is safe for products.