Kaixuan Ma

Bio: Kaixuan Ma is an academic researcher from Northwest A&F University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Food packaging & Food spoilage. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 2 citations.

A Naturally Derived Nanocomposite Film with Photodynamic Antibacterial Activity: New Prospect for Sustainable Food Packaging.

Abstract: Food packaging with efficient antibacterial ability is highly desirable and challenging in facing the crisis of microbial contamination. However, most present packaging is based on metal-based antibacterial agents and requires a time-consuming antibacterial process. Here, the unique packaging (CC/BB films) featuring aggregation-induced emission behavior and photodynamic inactivation activity is prepared by dispersing self-assembled berberine-baicalin nanoparticles (BB NPs) into a mixed matrix of sodium carboxymethylcellulose-carrageenan (CC). The superiority of this design is that this packaging film can utilize sunlight to generate reactive oxygen species, thus eradicating more than 99% of E. coli and S. aureus within 60 min. Also, this film can release BB NPs to inactivate bacteria under all weather conditions. Surprisingly, the CC/BB nanocomposite film presented excellent mechanical performances (29.80 MPa and 38.65%), hydrophobicity (117.8°), and thermostability. The nanocomposite film is validated to be biocompatible and effective in protecting chicken samples, so this work will provide novel insights to explore safe and efficient antibacterial food packaging.

Biodegradable Active Packaging with Controlled Release: Principles, Progress, and Prospects

Abstract: Climate change is accelerated by increasing food waste; more importantly, this pressing challenge is compounded by the environmentally damaging effects of conventional plastics used in food packaging. We have critically reviewed active release packaging as an innovative solution to address these concerning effects. Particular attention is paid to controlled release, encapsulation methods, and natural active agents. Other aspects of active packaging development such as stringent safety legislations are also discussed, alongside highlighting developmental hurdles. Certain technologies are underscored as revolutionary for the field of active packaging: in particular, stimuli-responsive materials, reliable controlled-release mechanisms, and the synergy of active packaging and intelligent packaging. Encapsulation is described as an important method of achieving controlled release. The potential of electrospun biopolymeric fibers to encapsulate natural antimicrobial or antioxidant molecules is also noted. Importantly, the review discusses the incorporation of nanomaterials and subsequent increased commercialization success due to the modulation of Bioplastic properties. In order to outcompete inexpensive petroleum-based plastics, these novel packaging materials must have good mechanical properties, good barrier properties, well-defined controlled release studies, and good biodegradation rates. Overall, it is evident that biopolymeric active-release packaging incorporating natural active compounds will serve as a high-potential, sustainable replacement for ubiquitous petroleum-based plastics.