Multifunctional Nanocomposite Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol, Cellulose Nanocrystals, Titanium Dioxide, and Apple Peel Extract for Food Packaging

Although polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a potential biodegradable food packaging material, it has several critical limitations: low mechanical strength, poor ultraviolet (UV) and water vapor barrier properties, and lack of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Previous studies have used cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to improve the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of the PVA matrix. In this study, a multifunctional nanocomposite for food packaging applications was developed by incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) and apple peel extract (APE) into a PVA/CNC matrix. The combination of TiO2 and APE in the nanocomposites not only enhanced multifunctionality but also improved mechanical and barrier properties. The mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties of PVA/CNC/TiO2/APE (5 wt% TiO2 and 20 wt% APE in the PVA/CNC matrix containing 5 wt% of CNCs) increased by 49.9 % and 36.6 % compared to PVA. Furthermore, PVA/CNC/TiO2/ APE exhibited an excellent UV barrier (UV-protection factor of 1012.73) and high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In food packaging tests with fresh cherry tomatoes and potatoes, PVA/CNC/TiO2/APE effectively protected samples from external influences and prolonged their self-life, demonstrating the potential use of this nanocomposite as a biodegradable and multifunctional food packaging material.