The new generation of food packaging should not only be biodegradable, but also provide additional protective properties for packaged products, extending their shelf life. In this paper, we present the results of research on cast-extruded poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) modified with CO2 extract from sea buckthorn (ES) or its ethosomes (ET) at amounts of 1 or 5 pph per HPMC. In addition, the developed films were exposed to accelerated aging (UV radiation and elevated temperature) to determine its effect on the films’ properties. Based on SEM, it can be concluded that accelerated aging results in the uncovering of the extract and ethosomes from the coating’s bulk. GPC showed a decrease in the molecular weight of PBS after treatment, additionally amplified by the presence of HPMC. However, the addition of ES or ET in low concentrations reduced the level of polyester degradation. The presence of the modified coating and its treatment increased the oxygen barrier (a decrease from 324 cm3/m2 × 24 h for neat PBS to 208 cm3/m2 × 24 h for the coated and modified PBS ET5). Despite the presence of colored extract or ethosomes in the coating, the color differences compared with neat PBS were imperceptible (ΔE < 1). The addition of 5 pph of sea buckthorn extract or its ethosomes in combination with accelerated aging resulted in the complete inhibition of the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, which was not observed in non-aged samples. The results obtained demonstrate an improvement in bioactive properties and protection against the negative effects of UV radiation on the film due to the presence of ET or ES in the coating. The developed systems could be used in the food industry as active packaging.

Lavender essential oil (LEO) was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with a mass selective detector (GC-MS), detecting linalool and linalyl acetate as its major constituents. The biological activity of the LEO was evaluated in vitro using a normal mouse fibroblast cell line (L929), where it showed no cytotoxic effects. To assess its therapeutic effect in vivo, a broiler chicken model (Ross 308) was employed. Birds were divided into three groups: the control group (C) without any hydrogel supplementation; the H group, supplemented with alginate hydrogel capsules without LEO; and the HE groups, which received hydrogel capsules containing immobilized LEO. Capsules were provided on chick paper for voluntary intake from day 1 to day 10. At the end of the production cycle, the cecum was dissected and preserved for subsequent molecular analyses. Results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with alginate hydrogel containing immobilized LEO (HE group) positively influenced the production parameters and intestinal health in broiler chickens. Dietary supplementation with alginate hydrogel-encapsulated LEO exerts therapeutic effects in broilers.

Biofilm-forming microorganisms pose a severe threat in the food and medical industries, among others. In this paper, the research materials were poly(butylene succinate–dilinoleic succinate) (PBS–DLS) copolymers with variable hard and soft segment weight ratios (90:10, 70:30, and 50:50). Polymeric films were prepared by the solvent casting method. Selected physicochemical properties and the tendency to form biofilm on the polymer surface were investigated. As the amount of DLS soft segments in the polymer matrix increased, changes in the FTIR–ATR spectra (signal intensity), surface (SEM), and phase transition (DSC) were observed. The higher the content of the DLS segment, the lower the transition temperatures and the smoother the film’s surface. These factors resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of biofilm formed on the material’s surface and a decrease in the metabolic activity of microorganisms present in the biofilm and SEM micrographs. The obtained PBS–DLS films have great potential in the food and medical packaging industries.

Food packaging has to preserve food products, not only providing protection against mechanical factors, but also providing antioxidant and antimicrobial protection. This article describes the effects of PBS film modification with two sea buckthorn extracts (chloroform extract and supercritical CO2 extract) at two different concentrations (1 or 5 g per 100 g of polymer). The films were tested to determine the effect of the active additive on optical properties, mechanical properties, moisture sorption, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans). The extracts improved free radical scavenging significantly (up to 41.13 ± 1.31% for PBS-CO2 0.05) and reduced the number of microorganisms studied (more than a 6000-fold reduction for E. coli, a 1400-fold reduction in S. aureus and a 1200-fold reduction in C. albicans). The ability to block UV radiation was dependent on the concentration of extracts in the polymer matrix. No significant changes were noticed for mechanical properties or FTIR spectra. The films obtained appear to be potential packaging materials for food products with special protective properties.

Ready-to-eat products, such as mixed-cut leafy vegetables, require packaging that provides adequate mechanical protection, a barrier against UV radiation, gases, and water vapor, as well as microbiological safety. In this study, thin films made of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and poly (butylene succinate-dilinoleic succinate) (PBS-DLS) copolyester were prepared by casting a film-forming solution onto a glass plate and spreading it with a roller. These films were compared to commercial thin films made of oriented polypropylene (OPP). OPP films exhibited ten times higher tensile strength than PBS films (104.36 ± 10.03 MPa for OPP, 10.96 ± 0.68 MPa for PBS, and 6.36 ± 0.62 MPa for PBS-DLS). Incorporation of co-monomeric units of dilinoleic succinate (DLS) into PBS structure significantly improved elongation at break, increasing from 38.16% ± 12.36% for PBS to 132.30% ± 25.08% for PBS-DLS. However, commercial OPP had the highest elongation at break, reaching 231.84% ± 20.30%. OPP films exhibited the highest transparency in the visible light range but also in the UV range. In contrast, PBS and PBS-DLS films provided better UV radiation blocking. The films were used to create sachets by heat sealing, into which freshly cut chicory leaves were placed. The packaged product was stored under refrigerated conditions for 48 h and 120 h. While OPP and PBS-DLS films provided good protection against moisture loss in chicory, leaves packed in PBS sachets lost significant weight during storage. The packaged product contained considerable microbial contamination, but the type of packaging did not influence its reduction or increase. Ultimately, the PBS-DLS copolymer exhibited higher elongation at break and greater water vapor barrier properties than PBS. Protection against moisture loss in packaged chicory for PBS-DLS packaging was similar to that for commercial OPP. Despite their weaker mechanical properties, PBS-DLS films appear to be a promising alternative to OPP films for packaging fresh food products.

This work concerns the spray drying of probiotic bacteria Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG suspended in a solution of starch, whey protein concentrate, soy lecithin, and ascorbic acid, with additional selected natural plant-origin liquid oils. The aim of this study was to examine these oils and their concentrations (20% and 30%) on bacterial viability during the spray drying (inlet temperature was 180 °C, outlet temperature from 50 to 54 °C, feed rate around 9 mL/min) and storage for 4 weeks at 4 °C and 20 °C, with attempts to explain the protective mechanism in respect including their fatty acid composition. The viability of microencapsulated bacteria, moisture content, water activity, color properties, morphology, particle size of obtained powders, and thermal properties of encapsulated oils were evaluated. The highest viability of bacterial cells after spray drying 83.7% and 86.0%, was recorded with added borage oil respectively with 20% and 30% oil content. This oil has a lower content of oleic and linoleic acid compared to other applied oils, but a high content of both vitamin E and γ- linoleic acid. However, this study did not confirm unambiguously whether and which of the components present in natural plant oils specifically affect the overall viability of bacteria during spray drying.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of increasing concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4%) of sea buckthorn oil (SBO) on the structural, physicochemical, release, and antioxidant properties of glycerol-plasticized sodium casein (NaCAS) and gelatin (GEL) films. Ultrasonic treatment ensured effective homogenization of SBO in both types of emulsions, resulting in yellow-tinted semi-opaque films with relatively low micro-roughness. Generally, GEL films demonstrated lower UV barrier properties and solubility but exhibited higher compactness, crystallinity, transparency, surface hydrophobicity, oxygen barrier performance, strength, and antiradical activity compared to their NaCAS-based counterparts. In a concentration-dependent manner, SBO decreased the solubility and water absorption of the gelatin-based film and enhanced its oxygen permeability. Conversely, SBO improved the water vapor barrier properties of both films in a concentration-independent manner. At the highest SBO concentration, the tensile strength of NaCAS- and GEL-based films decreased by 27% and 20%, respectively, while their antiradical activity increased by 9.3× and 4.3× (based on the time required for the half-neutralization of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals). Migration studies showed that at the lowest concentration, SBO was released (into 95% ethanol) approximately 2× faster from the GEL-based film than from the NaCAS film, whereas at higher concentrations, the trend reversed.

The aim of this study was to cover biopolymeric packaging films based on PLA/PHBV blend with a functional composite coating (to retain their ecological character) and to investigate their antimicrobial properties before and after UV irradiation. As an active coating, the carrier hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), as well as its modified form with Achillea millefolium L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., and Hypericum L. extract (E) and a combined system based on the extracts and nano-ZnO (EZ), was used to obtain active formulations. Additionally, film surface morphology (SEM, FTIR-ATR) and color (CIELab scale) analysis of the pre- and post-UV-treatment samples were performed. The results confirmed that the E and EZ-modified films exhibited antibacterial properties, but they were not effective against phage phi6. Q-SUN irradiation led to a decrease in the activity of E coating against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas syringae, and Candida albicans. In this case, the effectiveness of EZ against C. albicans at 24 h and 72 h UV irradiation decreased. However, the irradiation boosted the antiviral effectiveness of the EZ layer. SEM micrographs of the film surface showed that UV treatment did not significantly influence the native film morphology, but it had an impact on the coated film. FTIR analysis results showed that the coatings based on HPMC altered the IR absorption of the nonpolar groups of the biopolyester material. The applied coatings only marginally affected film color changes and increased their yellowness after UV irradiation, whereas a composite layer of nano-ZnO limited these changes.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the antiviral activity of coatings based on ZnO nanoparticles and TiO2. The goal was also to investigate the influence of accelerated UV-B and Q-SUN irradiation on their effectiveness. The results of the performed analysis demonstrated that only one of four coatings containing nanoparticles demonstrated high antiviral activity. Q-SUN irradiation had a positive influence on the antiviral properties of the other three coatings. After 24 h of accelerated irradiation, these coatings demonstrated moderate antiviral effectiveness, confirming that Q-SUN irradiation improved the properties of the active layers (by activating ZnO nanoparticles and TiO2). Unfortunately, after 48 h of irradiation, the activity of the coatings decreased, confirming that the irradiation time should not be too long. Comparing the influence of the UV-B irradiation on the coating activity to the Q-SUN irradiation, it has to be mentioned that UV-B irradiation (24 h) also improved the antiviral properties of the three coatings, which were not active before irradiation. However, it decreased the activity of the coating that was active before UV aging. Unfortunately, none of those analyzed coatings were active after 48 h of UV-B irradiation, confirming that the irradiation time should be shorter.

The present work reports on the microencapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) by the spray-drying process using a solution of starch, whey protein concentrate (WPC), soy lecithin and ascorbic acid as a carrier, with addition of different types of butters. The aim of this study was to examine the protective mechanism of six different butter samples on the viability rate of LGG bacteria directly after the spray-drying process and during storage for 4 weeks at 4 °C and 20 °C (±1 °C) based on hypothetical factors—the fatty acid’s chemical character and content, and its melting enthalpy. The viability of bacteria, moisture content, water activity, color properties, morphology, particle size of powder, melting enthalpy of butters and their fatty acids composition were evaluated. It is assumed that the highest viability may be indirectly influenced by the relationship between the highest content of proteins and sugars and the lowest content of fats and fatty acids, which is characteristic for butter with a reduced fat content. This butter contained also the least monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The highest number of viable LGG (for systems with reduced-fat butter, as well as salted and lactose-free butter) may be caused by (among other factors) by the lower content of palmitic acid (C16: 0). For these butters, it was also observed that cell viability increased with the increase in melting enthalpy. The results confirmed the protective role of selected butters, which indicates the possibility of using them in industrial processes to increase the durability of additives and products using probiotic powders obtained by spray-drying.

The goal of this research was to analyse the synergistic effect between selected plant extracts with zinc oxide particles, and zinc stearate. The influence of ZnO on the antimicrobial effectiveness of the selected extracts was confirmed in previous research carried out by the authors. However, the impact of zinc stearate on extract activity has yet to be analysed. The aim was to cover PLA films with active coatings based on hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose (HPMC), or/and ethyl cellulose (EC) containing plant extracts and ZnO which has a synergistic effect. An additional aim was to use a CO2 extract of raspberry seed (RSE) with zinc stearate as active additives within the coatings. An examination of the antimicrobial properties (against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas syringae and Φ6 bacteriophage) of the covered films, as well as an investigation of layer presence with regards to PLA morphology (SEM, ATR-FTIR analysis) was carried out. The research work that was performed indicated that black chokeberry extract (ChE) and zinc oxide particles were effective against S. aureus, P. syringae and B. subtilis strains. In addition, the ChE with zinc stearate (ZnSt) was active against all analysed strains. The HPMC with ChE and ZnO as additives had antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, P. syringae and E. coli strains. The ChE was found to inhibit the growth of all of the analysed bacterial strains. When considering the coatings based on EC with the CO2 extract of raspberry seed (RSE) and ZnO, it was noted that they were only active against Gram-negative bacteria. The results of the experiments confirmed that AC1 (EC with RSE with ZnO) and AC2 (EC with RSE with ZnSt) coatings were not active against a phi6 bacteriophage. The HPMC coating containing the AC3 layer (ChE and ZnO) eliminated Φ6 particles, confirming its antiviral properties. In addition, the presence of the active (AC1, AC2 and AC3) coatings was confirmed by SEM and FTIR analysis.

Acutely due to awareness that food products are highly vulnerable to microbial contamination, the food industry constantly tries to uncover new methods for the preservation of their products in order to guarantee their goods and processes continue to offer the highest quality and uphold safety standards throughout the production, storage, and distribution chain. Antimicrobial food packaging can play an important role in food shelf-life extension through the inhibition of microorganism growth present on the surface of food products. Antimicrobial packaging materials containing active substances incorporated into a polymer matrix or as surface coatings have begun to receive more attention for their use as antimicrobial control agents in food packaging systems. The most commonly used packaging materials are paper and plastics. However, from the ecological point of view, biopolymer-based materials have recently garnered more attention in the development of antimicrobial packaging as an alternative, due to their nontoxic biodegradability. In addition, the ongoing global spread of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has led to a preference for fresh food packaged in single-use food coverings. In order to address customer concerns and safeguard their health, the packaging industry could implement additional health safety measures, such as active packaging with antiviral properties.

In this in vitro study, the influence of tin ions at concentrations of 1–1,000 ppm on the development and enzymatic activity of four entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Isaria fumosorosea, and Metarhizium robertsii), that are commonly used in biological plant protection, are examined. Each of the fungal species tested reacted differently to contact with the Sn2+ ions at the tested concentrations. Exposure to Sn2+ ions affected the rate of development, morphology, and enzymatic activity of fungi. Of the four fungal species studied, M. robertsii was the most resistant and showed complete growth inhibition at the highest Sn2+ concentration tested (1,000 ppm). For the other entomopathogenic fungi, the fungicidal effect of Sn2+ ions was noted at the concentration of 750 ppm. Exposure to Sn2+ ions (up to 500 ppm) resulted in enhanced biochemical activity; and all entomopathogens that were tested showed increased production of N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG) as well as several proteases. Moreover, B. brongniartii and M. roberstii showed increased lipases synthesis. These changes may increase the pathogenicity of the fungi, thereby making them more effective in limiting the population of pest insects. The exposure of the entomopathogenic fungi to a medium containing Sn2+ ions, at concentrations that were appropriate for each species, induced hyperproduction of hydrolases, which might be involved in aiding the survival of entomopathogenic fungi in the presence of heavy metals. This study shows that the fungistatic effect of Sn2+ on entomopathogenic fungi did not restrict their pathogenicity, as evidenced by the stimulation of the production of enzymes that are involved in the infection of insects.

Petroleum-based polymer food packaging is causing increasing concern. Their biopolymer alternatives should have some added value to compete with them and push them out of the market. This article presents new information related to the effects of melanin on casein films and their protection against artificial UV aging. Casein films were modified with melanin as an active additive and then subjected to artificial aging using UV radiation to evaluate its effect on the preservation of the films' properties. The films were tested for hydrological (moisture content and water solubility), mechanical, barrier against UV-Vis radiation, colorimetric, and antioxidant properties, and the content of free amino acids and sulfhydryl and disulfide groups were checked before and after aging. Melanin influenced the preservation of mechanical properties of the films (elongation at break increased by no more than 20% for melanin-modified samples compared to more than 50% increase for the control sample), better UV barrier properties, increased antioxidant properties (two-fold higher scavenging of DPPH radicals by films modified with the highest melanin content compared to unmodified films before aging, and four times higher scavenging of DPPH radicals after aging). In addition, the presence of melanin had protective properties for sulfhydryl bonds and proteins (the increase in free amino acids after aging for melanin-modified films was not statistically significant), and it also had the effect of increasing the abundance of bands corresponding to oligomers and polymers in electrophoretic separation. The results indicate that melanin has UV-protecting properties on casein films, and it can be assumed that the obtained casein films modified with melanin could potentially find application as food packaging or edible coatings.

The goal of this work was to improve the barrier properties of selected papers against water, grease and oil or gases (water vapor and oxygen) by covering them with biodegradable commercial coating carriers based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The aim was also to obtain cellulose recyclable packaging materials with improved barrier characteristics. The properties of paper coatings based on CNCs and PVOH were characterized. Various paper coating techniques (flexographic printing, rotogravure printing and blade printing) were evaluated with respect to the final properties of the surface-modified paper with different starting grammages (40 g/m2, 70 g/m2, 100 g/m2). Functional properties, such as the barrier against oxygen, water vapor, water and grease; mechanical properties; and seal characterization of coated paper were examined. The results of this study demonstrated that the covering of the paper may improve the water, grease and oil barrier and that the best results were obtained for Gerstar 70 g/m2 coated with J12 coatings using the flexographic technique.

The aim of this research was to create a plant-based beverage based on seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), pea (Pisum sativum) and runner bean (Phaseolus multiflorus). The selection of the ingredients was based on the main objective to obtain the nutritional value and sensory characteristics of a formed product similar to cow’s milk. The ingredient proportions were created by comparing the protein, fat and carbohydrate content of seeds versus cow’s milk. Due to the observed low long-term stability of plant-seed-based drinks, a water binding guar gum, a thickener in the form of locust bean gum and gelling citrus amidated pectin containing dextrose were added and evaluated as functional stabilisers. All of the designed and created systems were subjected to selected methods of characterisation of the most important final product properties, such as rheology, colour, emulsion and turbidimetric stability. Rheological analysis confirmed the highest stability of the variant supplemented with 0.5% guar gum. Both stability and colour measurements indicated the positive characteristics of the system supplemented with 0.4% pectin. Finally, the product with 0.5% guar gum was identified as the most distinctive and similar vegetable drink to cow’s milk.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles for use in food packaging or biomedical applications is attracting increasing interest. In this study, the effect of the degree of substitution (0.7, 0.9 and 1.2) of a carboxymethylcellulose polymer matrix on the synthesis and properties of silver nanoparticles using melanin as a reductant was investigated. For this purpose, the mechanical, UV–Vis barrier, crystallinity, morphology, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films were determined, as well as the color and changes in chemical bonds. The degree of substitution effected noticeable changes in the color of the films (the L* parameter was 2.87 ± 0.76, 5.59 ± 1.30 and 13.45 ± 1.11 for CMC 0.7 + Ag, CMC 0.9 + Ag and CMC 1.2 + Ag samples, respectively), the UV–Vis barrier properties (the transmittance at 280 nm was 4.51 ± 0.58, 7.65 ± 0.84 and 7.98 ± 0.75 for CMC 0.7 + Ag, CMC 0.9 + Ag and CMC 1.2 + Ag, respectively) or the antimicrobial properties of the films (the higher the degree of substitution, the better the antimicrobial properties of the silver nanoparticle-modified films). The differences in the properties of films with silver nanoparticles synthesized in situ might be linked to the increasing dispersion of silver nanoparticles as the degree of CMC substitution increases. Potentially, such films could be used in food packaging or biomedical applications.

Bioactive films find more and more applications in various industries, including packaging and biomedicine. This work describes the preparation, characterization and physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of alginate films modified with melanin from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds at concentrations of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50% w/w and with silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (10 mM film casting solutions for both metal nanoparticles). Melanin served as the active ingredient of the film and as a nanoparticle stabilizer. The additives affected the color, antioxidant (~90% ABTS and DPPH radicals scavenging for all melanin modified films) and antimicrobial activity (up to 4 mm grow inhibition zones of E. coli and S. aureus for both zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles), mechanical (silver nanoparticles addition effected two-fold higher tensile strength), thermal and barrier properties for water and UV-vis radiation. The addition of ZnONP resulted in improved UV barrier properties while maintaining good visible light transmittance, whereas AgNP resulted in almost complete UV barrier and reduced visible light transmittance of the obtained films. What is more, the obtained films did not have an adverse effect on cell viability in cytotoxicity screening. These films may have potential applications in food packaging or biomedical applications.

The aim of the study was to assess the antioxidant effect of concentrated oil macerate of sage (M) as a “green extract” in inhibiting the oxidation of Fish Oil (FO). In the homogenization-assisted maceration process, FO was used as a solvent for the sage active substances to produce M, which was then added to FO (25% w/w) and evaluated for its effect by monitoring the level of oxidation during refrigerated and room temperature storage. The macerate also examined polyphenols, plant pigments, DPPH antioxidant potential, oxidation level and sensory quality. It was shown that the maceration process made it possible to obtain aromatized M, containing polyphenols (carnosic acid, carnosol) and pigments, but with an increased level of peroxides, free fatty acids, compared to the control oil. M showed antioxidant properties and inhibited FO oxidation. It showed the best efficiency in FO during refrigerated storage, in the third month it reduced the level of peroxides by about 9 times, compared to the control. M retains unchanged quality at refrigerated temperature for up to 3 months. Sage macerates are “green extracts” that can be used as effective natural antioxidant additives, following preparation improvements to reduce the amount of peroxide formed.

Gelatin (GEL) and whey protein isolate (WPI) are often taken into account as carriers of phytoantioxidants for developing active packaging. The materials obtained, however, have not yet been systematically compared to demonstrate their potential benefits and drawbacks. Fireweed extract (FE) is a rich source of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. Therefore, in this study, the structural, physicochemical, and antiradical properties of GEL and WPI films incorporated with freeze-dried fireweed extract (FE; 0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05%) were simultaneously evaluated. As verified by X-ray diffraction, the GEL-based films were more crystalline and, consequently, mechanically stronger (~ 9–11 vs. ~ 6 MPa) and less permeable to water vapor than the WPI films (44.95–52.02 vs. 61.47–70.49 g mm m −2 day −1 kPa −1 ). Furthermore, GEL offered a bit more transparent, less yellow, and more stretchable films (~ 50–59% vs. ~ 26%). In turn, the WPI films had superior UV-protective potential. The higher FE concentration yielded more yellow films with improved UV-blocking ability. The FE (0.05%) made the GEL cryogel denser. Based on the half-time reduction of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (t ABTS50% ), the 0.025, and 0.05% FE-supplemented WPI films exhibited ~ 1.6 and ~ 1.9 times better antiradical potential than the GEL counterparts. This result implies that the WPI-based films, being more soluble (35.12–36.74 vs. 31.51–33.21%) and less swellable (192.61–205.88 vs. 1056.93–2282.47%), ensured faster release of FE into aqueous medium. The slower building up of the antiradical activity of the FE-supplemented GEL films suggests that GEL could be more useful in the development of slow/less migratory active packaging systems for high moisture food.