We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Predicting Packaging Material–Food Interactions and the Respective Migration and Permeation Based on Hansen Solubility Parameters—A Case Study of Bio-Based Polyester Cutin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the bio-based polyester cutin as a potential food packaging material by estimating its Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) through swelling experiments in solvents of varying polarity, then using HSP to predict migration behavior into food simulants. The work contributes to the search for biodegradable packaging alternatives that would reduce microplastic pollution from conventional petrochemical-based food packaging.
One of the current and serious environmental problems is the pollution due to microplastics. There is an urgent need for biodegradable and bio-based materials for numerous applications, including food packaging. In this work we examine the bio-based polyester cutin for its potential to be used as food packaging material, in terms of migration, based on the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP). Cutin is a cross-linked polymer that is swelled by various solvents. We use the degree of swelling of cutin in carefully selected solvents of various polarities in order to estimate the HSP of cutin. Some solvents can induce alteration of the chemical structure of cutin, as proven by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements. This interferes with the process of estimation of the HSP and is discussed in depth. The distance Ra and the Relative Energy Difference (RED) between the HSP of cutin and various food components are calculated and used to predict the existence of favorable interactions between cutin and the food components, which is translated to a high probability for the existence of migration and permeation. Experimental confirmation of one prediction based on HSP is provided by UV-VIS photometry. Similar calculations were performed for other polyesters (poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxy butyrate)). Cutin exhibits compatibility with substances of low polarity, such as fats and lipids and non-polar compounds found in essential oils. Thus, migration into fatty foods is expected as well as sorption and permeation of some (volatile) compounds into cutin. Nevertheless, we conclude that the overall migration risk for cutin is lower than the one of other bio-based polyesters. HSP can be used for initial screening of potential migration risks; however, further research is necessary in order to assess the occurrence, extent, and significance of the actual migration.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in food packaging: Analytical methods, health risks, and sustainable alternatives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics from food packaging materials can migrate into the food we eat during storage and handling. It evaluates analytical methods for detecting this contamination and suggests biodegradable polymers as promising eco-friendly alternatives, while noting that standardized testing methods and risk assessment frameworks are still needed.
Evaluation of Possible Contaminants from Sustainable Materials Intended for Food Contact
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper has limited direct relevance to microplastics; it evaluates chemical contaminants that can migrate from sustainable natural-material food packaging into food and beverages, though its focus is on bio-based packaging alternatives rather than plastic particle pollution.
Using in vitro bioassays to guide the development of safer bio-based polymers for use in food packaging
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested bio-based packaging polymers derived from food-industry waste streams for endocrine-disrupting chemical leaching and found that several alternatives to conventional petroleum plastics showed significantly reduced hormonal activity, supporting their development as safer food contact materials.
Bio-based and Sustainable Food Packaging Technology: Relevance, Challenges and Prospects
AI summary Read the abstract
A review assessed bio-based and sustainable food packaging technologies, evaluating their relevance as replacements for conventional plastic packaging that generates microplastic pollution. The study identifies the most promising materials and the barriers to scaling up plastic-free food packaging.
A Review on Biopolymer-Based Biodegradable Film for Food Packaging: Trends over the Last Decade and Future Research
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review explores biodegradable packaging made from natural materials like starch and proteins as alternatives to conventional plastics. Reducing plastic packaging is important because traditional plastics break down into microplastics that contaminate food and the environment.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.