Advances in Research and Development of Bioplastic For Food Packaging

Advances in research and development of bioplastic for food packaging
Piyawanee Jariyasakoolroj, Pattarin Leelaphiwat and Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit*
Department of Packaging and Materials Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart
University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food (CASAF), KU Institute for Advanced
Accepted Article
Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
*Corresponding author E-mail address: nathdanai.h@ku.ac.th
ABSTRACT
The paper reviews the recent developments in bioplastic food packaging. Several bioplastic
materials (polylactide, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch) have been successfully converted
into food packaging using conventional plastic conversion technologies including extrusion,
injection molding, and compression molding. This review emphasizes the advances in
bioplastic packaging with regard to active packaging applications and applications requiring
gas and water barrier. Recently, bioplastic packaging has been developed into active
packaging which can either control the release of active ingredients or scavenge undesirable
substances. The review shows that antioxidant and antimicrobial functions are major
developments for the control-release application in bioplastic packaging. Factors affecting the
release of active ingredients have been reviewed. The sorption of low molecular weight
substances such as humidity, aromas, and gases, also affects the properties of packaging
materials. Some patents are available for oxygen-scavenging bioplastic packaging. Moreover,
improved high-barrier packaging technologies (modified polymer, coating, and lamination)
have been developed to increase the shelf-life of food products.
Keywords: Bioplastic, Food Packaging, Packaging Technology, Release, Scavenging, Barrier
This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not
been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which
may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this
article as doi: 10.1002/jsfa.9497
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
In recent decades, there has been increased effort to develop bioplastics for food
contact materials, especially in the packaging field, because of environmental awareness and
the implementation of stringent environmental regulations [1]. Bioplastics can be categorized

Accepted Article
into two major groups, namely bio-based and bio-degradable plastics. The bio-based plastics
are made from renewable resources such as starch, cellulose, wheat gluten, polylactide
(PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). However, all bio-based plastics are not
necessarily biodegradable such as bio-based-polyethylene (Bio-PE), bio-based-polypropylene
(Bio-PP), and bio-based-poly(ethylene terephthalate) (Bio-PET), which are made by
converting renewable resources (e.g. sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, and cassava.) into building
blocks for PET. Conversely, the bioplastics in Group III and IV (Figure 1) can be
biodegradable after use by oxidation or photodegradation reactions. However, the rate of
biodegradation mainly depends on the types of bioplastics. Furthermore, after biodegradation
step, the desintegration level of bioplastics is another basic requirement to determine the
efficiency of composting process. In the case of Group III, not only they are able to be
biodegraded, but also produced from natural resources, so-called “compostable plastics” as
presented in Figure 1. The different resources used in bioplastics also trigger intrinsic
physical and chemical properties, which play important roles in designing their applications.
Table 1 presents a list of examples of bioplastics with their unique properties for food
packaging.

1.1 Non-biodegradable bioplastics for food packaging
Generally, conventional plastics are polymers produced from monomers as products of the
petrochemical industry. The main chemical structures are covalently bound hydrocarbon
Accepted Article
molecules which are non-biodegradable. In the last decade, monomers of conventional
plastics have been successfully prepared using the fermentation of carbohydrate-based plants
which generates ethanol as a raw material for further conversion to various derivatives such
as ethylene and ethylene glycol (EG).
In 2009, Morschbacker [3] reported the manufacture of ethanol using sugarcane in Brazil as
feedstock for the fermentation process, including a catalytic dehydration reaction to prepare
an ethylene unit for Bio-PE. This was followed by Braskem launching their “I'm greenTM
Polyethylene” product (i.e. commercial grade Bio-PE) which retains the same properties and
performances of petroleum-based PE with relatively low cost, but reduced carbon dioxide
emission. Currently, Braskem offers a wide range of bio-based high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) and linear-low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Therefore, Bio-PE facilitates
immediate use in the plastics production chain with similar processes to form package and
recycling [4,5]. The manufacturing process of Bio-PP is more complicated than that of Bio-
PE and has been commercialized under the name Biopolypropylene 109D, which was utilized
for injection-molding packaging in 2011. It is made using 20 percent post-industrial algae
biomatter and targets thin-walled applications [6].
Another non-biodegradable bioplastic is Bio-PET, having been already produced using resin
with further formation into a bottle shape at the industrial scale. PET is generally comprised
of 30% EG and 70% terphthalic acid (TPA). PlantBottle® from Coca-Cola is made of bio-
based EG (30% Bio-PET), and similar packaging is used by Dasani, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and
Fresca [7]. In 2010, Berti et al. [10] developed the viable process to produce bio-based-TPA

on a commercial-scale, using isobutanol, n-butanol, isobutylene, limonene, muconic acid,
terpenes, and carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) as reactants. Recently, PepsiCo
successfully produced 100% Bio-PET from switchgrass, pine bark, and corn husks. The
performance of Bio-PET packaging is identical to other petroleum-based PET products [11].

Accepted Article
Bio-based-polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF), a technology of the Avantium company, has
been developed as an alternative for PET bottles. It can be obtained from bio-based EG and
furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). PEF has the predominantly favorable characteristics of
being a better gas and moisture barrier with lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emission than PET.
All non-biodegradable bioplastics as developed have the same structure as those of
petroleum-based plastics, allowing the same performance but reducing the carbon footprint of
the production process [12].
1.2 Biodegradable plastics for food packaging
Biodegradable plastics are classified into two categories according to resources, as presented
in Figure. 2. Natural biodegradable plastics can be divided into three subgroups by
production technologies. The high potential, natural biodegradable plastics for food
packaging are starch, PLA, and PHAs which have been up-scaled to industrial
manufacturing.
Starch is a polysaccharide mostly found in carbohydrate-plants. It consists of a large number
of glucose units linked by 1,4- and 1,6-glycosidic bonds, leading to linear and helical
structures of amylose (amorphous and crystalline phases) and a branching structure of
amylopectin (amorphous phase), respectively. The ratio of amylose/amylopectin mainly
influences the properties of starch. Nevertheless, starch is highly crystalline with strong inter-
and intramolecular hydrogen bonding among starch polymers, resulting in a very high
melting temperature, close to the degradation temperature and this obstructs the melting

process to form film packaging. Therefore, the modification of starch is required for
bioplastic production using chemical and physical pathways [13-15].
Plasticization or thermoplastic formation of starch is a promising approach to deal with the
limitation of processability. Polyhydric alcohols (glycerol, sorbitol, carboxylic acid), polyols,

Accepted Article
and epoxides have been widely investigated as reagents to plasticize starch to form
thermoplastic starch (TPS). Utilization of TPS for packaging is mostly blended with other
polymers (PE, PS, PVOH, PLA, PCL) due to its intrinsic moisture absorption and poor
mechanical properties [9, 17-22]. The content of plasticizers plays an important role in the
blend characteristics of controlling the flexibility or elongation and toughness. Flexibility can
be readily improved by increasing the plasticizer content. TPS also provides finer phase
dispersion in the blend system compared to pure starch or chemically modified starch.
Commercial PLA is produced through the ring-opening polymerization of lactide which can
be obtained from the fermentation of corn and sugar cane among other raw materials. PLA
has high transparency and tensile strength, melt processability, and biocompatibility.
Interestingly, the performance of PLA is similar to PET; thus, there has been much effort to
replace PET with PLA in bottles, films and pouches, among other products. However, the
limitations of PLA are its high cost and the fact that it is a poor gas barrier, with low thermal
distortion, and it is brittle, resulting in a narrow processing window. These attributes are
consequences of its high glass transition temperature and low crystallization rate due to the
long time required for the formation of the helical packing structure [23].
PLA has been blended with various polymers to enhance its ductility and accelerate
crystallization for packaging applications. For example, Mallet and coworkers [24] studied
the processability and mechanical and thermomechanical properties of PLA blended with
epoxy-functionalized chain extender, nucleating agent (talc and N, N‟-ethylenbis
(stearamide)), and plasticizer (polyethylene glycol). A semi-crystalline structure during the

blowing process was successfully induced using PLA-based blending, leading to an
improvement in film flexibility.
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the first polymer of the PHA family, produced using bacteria
and algae. PHB is brittle and stiff which limits its application. The different pendant groups
Accepted Article
can be used to design the properties of the PHAs obtained; for instance, having an ethylene
group of polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) instead of the methyl group of PHB generates
flexibility. Moreover, PHA has been blended with other biodegradable polymers to reduce
the cost and increase flexural strength and complex viscosity such as in PLA, PBS
(polybutylene succinate), and PBAT (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate) [25].
PBS is produced using condensation polymerization of succinic acid and butanediol which
can be sourced from both petrochemical and natural resources. PBS film has high heat
deflection and is tough, but it is not transparent and furthermore it is expensive. However,
PBS still cannot be utilized in flexible or rigid packaging; it has a relatively low melt strength
and can be easily hydrolyzed [26]. Several reports have discussed improvement of the
mechanical properties of PBS such as using stress treatment to improve the gas barrier
property of PBS [27] and adding silicate nanoclays to increase barrier properties against the
diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, flavor compounds, and water vapor [28].
Bioplastic packaging has been successfully produced using conventional packaging
conversion including extrusion, blow molding, compression molding, injection molding,
blown film extrusion, and thermoforming (Figure 3). This review emphasizes the advances in
bioplastic packaging with regard to active packaging applications and applications requiring
gas and water barrier.
2. Release and desorption activity in bioplastics
Active packaging has been utilized to extend food shelf-life and preserve food quality.
Among others, antioxidant and antimicrobial functions are major developments for control-

release application in bioplastic packaging. Microbial growth causes spoilage and affects
safety in high aw food products. Lipids, proteins, vitamins, and pigments are prone to
oxidation which contributes to nutritional and quality losses such as denaturation, rancidity,
and discoloration. A direct reaction of molecular oxygen with organic compounds or so

Accepted Article
called „autoxidation‟ causes free radical inducing oxidation [29]. This deterioration occurs
mainly on the food surface exposed to the outer environment and therefore, active antioxidant
and antimicrobial packaging has been applied to extend the shelf-life of packaged products. A
direct addition of antioxidants and antimicrobials to food and/or food surface coating,
possibly causes neutralization or too rapid diffusion with bulk food. Instead, the use of
control-release packaging can prolong the migration of antimicrobial and antioxidizing
compounds from the packaging material to the food surface, thereby maintaining their
required concentrations for long-term storage [30-32].
2.1 Antioxidant packaging
The development of antioxidant release bioplastic packaging is shown in Table 2. Both
natural and synthetic antioxidants as well as nanoparticles have been successfully developed
into single and multilayer films [55]. These active components are directly compounded with
the polymer matrix via conventional extrusion. The addition of active components varies
between 0.02 to 12% with most being in the range 1-5%. The stability of these active
ingredients varies during severe thermo-mechanical extrusion; for example, there have been
reported losses of 52% for BHT [52], 16% for α-tocopherol [50], 30% for thymol [53], and
82% for astaxanthin [55] in PLA. Accordingly, the synthetic antioxidants have no higher heat
and shear resistance than natural compounds. Instead, their properties, including thermal
stability and volatility, govern their loss. These active compounds may be added in the last
processing step to avoid thermal degradation. Fabra et al. [38] showed that though
electrospinning did not affect β-carotene in PCL, the heat treatment (annealing at 50 and 60

°C) near the PCL melting temperature caused substantial β-carotene loss. Moreover, the
improved thermal stability of antioxidants can be achieved by coupling onto polymers [35].
The loss was mainly caused by poor mixing and dispersion, evaporation, thermal
degradation, and their antioxidant action with free radicals formed during the process [52-53].
Accepted Article
The release kinetics for the active ingredients have been investigated in different food
simulants at various temperature. Fick‟s behavior describes well the migration into different
ethanol concentrations of active compounds such as α-tocopherol, olive leaf extract [50-51],
merkén spice [44], BHT at 13, 23, and 43 °C [52], astaxanthin at 30 and 40 °C [55], and a
synthetic phenolic mixture at 20 °C and 40 °C [46]. Accordingly, the derived diffusion
coefficients for release were compared in different studies. Moreover, the Arrhenius equation
was a good predictor of faster release at elevated temperature in these simulants [43,46].
The release behavior in food simulants can be controlled by several factors such as polymer
integrity, affinity between the active components, and food simulants. A higher penetration of
food simulant into film matrices and film hydrolysis mainly accelerates the release of
antioxidant [42,50]. Though BHT has greater affinity with hydrophobic matrices, the release
from PLA films in coconut oil was much lower than in 95% ethanol [52]. This suggested the
importance on the release mechanism of matrix disintegration due to ethanol. Moreover,
plasticization effects of active ingredients also improved the release of antioxidant [40]. The
higher simulant temperature increased PLA crystallization providing two diverse effects on
antioxidant release. The crystallization produced a more tortuous matrix which reduced the
rate of antioxidants release; however, it possibly increased the mobility of antioxidant and
hastened the release [46]. A fast release is required for short shelf-life product, whereas, a
longer release is needed for slower release kinetics. Cellulose nanofiber has been shown to
delay the release of TBHQ from PLA films due to increased matrix hydrophobicity and hence

reduces plasticization by water adsorption, an increased tortuous path, decreased porosity,
induced matrix crystallization, and interaction between nanocellulose and TBHQ [43,46].
The properties of antioxidant, bioplastic, food simulant, and the temperature determine the
rate and quantity of antioxidant release. The release rate also depends on the size and shape
Accepted Article
of the antioxidants in relation to the size and number of the voids within the matrix where the
migration occurs. Accordingly, several factors inﬂuence antioxidant diffusion through a
polymer including [39, 46, 56]:
 Polymer properties, including polymer morphology, crystallinity, molecular weight
distribution, density, cross-linking, branching, and orientation which subsequently
impact the size and shape distribution of void spaces within the matrices. More void
space possibly accelerates diffusion and hence matrix accessibility to simulants which
enhance the release rate.
 Antioxidant properties, including molecular size, shape, density, polarity, affinity with
matrix and simulants, and solubility.
 Interaction between the bioplastic and antioxidant, for example the plasticizing effect
which affects the free volume and increases deformability of the matrices. Therefore,
the plasticizers hasten the release.
 Temperature related factors, such as Tg and Tm of the polymer, and the diffusion
coefficient of the antioxidant. The increased temperature increases release due to
increased molecular mobility and hydrolysis of the matrices. Nevertheless, it should
be noted that heating possibly destroys antioxidant and modified polymer properties
leading to delayed release.
The mechanism of action for antioxidant food packaging possibly differs between simulant
testing and food products. For example, with the storage in oil, whole milk powder and

buttermilk powder, showed no antioxidant-PLGA film degradation but the GC analysis of
headspace volatility showed reduced lipid oxidation in dry milk products. Accordingly, there
was migration of the antioxidant (α-tocopherol, BHA, and BHT) into dry milk products due
to both volatization and direct surface contact with the PLGA films [42]. Scavenging activity
Accepted Article
of volatile free radicals in the headspace of the package was also possible without direct
contact with food product [32].
2.2 Antimicrobial packaging
Antimicrobial packaging has already been extensively reviewed elsewhere [30, 57-59].
However, these reviews mostly considered antimicrobial packaging in the forms of edible
films or coating on petroleum-based packaging. There are still limited publications on
antimicrobial packaging based on commercial bioplastic such as TPS, PLA, PBAT as shown
in Table 3. Most researchers suggested that antimicrobial packaging had more efficacy on
Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria [72]. The extruded PBAT/TPS films containing
sorbate effectively reduced the yeast and mold counts and inhibited darkening in fresh pasta
stored at 10 °C for 43 days. The films were placed layer-by-layer with fresh pasta sheets and
sealed in LDPE bags [68]. PBAT films with oregano oil reduced the total coliform,
psychrotroph and Staphylococcus aureus counts in fish fillets stored at 7 ºC [70]. Moradian et
al. [73] produced bacterial cellulose‐ based active membranes placed on the tray bottom of
button mushrooms giving antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia
coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The color, ascorbic acid, and polyphenol contents were more
preserved in the active package due to: i) the reduction in microbial enzymes that catalyzed
the loss of polyphenol and ii) the reduced O2 concentration in the package and thus reduced
PPO activity. In addition, the volatility of the active ingredients also modified the vapor
pressure inside the package and reduced the rate of water evaporation from the mushroom.
Lorite et al. [61] developed a novel PLA package using nanoclays and surfactants to extend

the shelf-life of ready-to-eat fresh cut fruit. The fruit packed in PLA-nanoclay-surfactant
system showed better qualities and the shelf-life was expected to be longer than commercial
PET packaging (15 days) [61].
Added nanoparticles such as Ag, montmorrilonite nanoclays, TiO2 and ZnO have been
Accepted Article
reported to limit microbial growth due to both antimicrobial activity and modified package
permeability associated with CO2, O2, water vapor, and other gases [60-61, 74]. The presence
of a negative charge and the quaternary ammonium group in modified nanoclays produced
strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes
and Staphylococcus aureus [69,72]. The nanoparticles also served as a carrier for long-term
and delayed release of antimicrobials and increased the surface area to enhance contact
frequency which induced cell disruption [60, 70].
An essential oil (carvacrol) was successfully incorporated via conventional extrusion in
bioplastic to serve as antimicrobial packaging. The volatility of the essential oil provides the
extra benefit of indirect contact with foods, such as in the reduction of mycelial and fungi
growth on the surface of strawberries [70]. Encapsulation is necessary to stabilize volatile
compounds in polymeric packaging. Jash & Lim [75] enhanced the antimicrobial and
phospholipase D inhibition properties of PLA with hexanal using an electrospinning process.
The hexanal was first entrapped in N,N′-dibenzylethane-1,2-diamine to form a stable hexanal
precursor compound of 1,3-dibenzylethane-2-pentylimidazolidine prior to homogeneously
dispersed in PLA using electrospinning. Hexanal is highly volatility and susceptibility to
oxidation were successfully entrapped in the PLA fiber. The release of hexanal was triggered
by citric acid. Dai & Lim [76] entrapped a volatile allyl isothiocyanate from mustard seed
meal powder in electrospun fiber of PLA-poly(ethylene oxide). Accordingly, the use of
volatile antimicrobial agents may not require the direct contact, while the non-volatile
substance need to contact directly with food surface.

The release and diffusion of active compounds through polymer layers are key factors in
antimicrobial activity. A tightly bonded antimicrobial in the packaging matrices has restricted
release and hence lacks microbial inhibition [63]. Plasticizers such as lactic acid oligomers
increase the free volume and promote molecular mobility that enhances the diffusion and
Accepted Article
release of active agents [39]. Moreover, swelling of the starch layer in contact with wet agar
media increased swelling which accelerated diffusion of cinnamaldehyde through surface and
hence provided greater antimicrobial activity in bilayer films [64]. The addition of other
components also modified matrix microstructures and increased discontinuity. The
absorption/binding of the active compounds was subsequently modified and this may have
provided a synergistic antimicrobial effect [62]. Santagata et al. [77] found that cavoxin
enhanced PBS crystallization and induced hydrolysis which subsequently enhanced the
release of antifungal agents against Penicillium roqueforti and Aspergillus niger. Water
diffusion into a PLA-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer triggered the hydrolysis and hence the
release of volatile allyl isothiocyanate. The modified hydrophilicity of the matrix carrier
effectively controls the release kinetics [76]. The study showed a potential active packaging
application based on the humidity-triggered volatile release.
The antimicrobial activity of bioplastic films has often been investigated using standard disc
diffusion methods and microbial counts in food. The in-vitro detection of an inhibition zone
in the disc diffusion methods is based on the release of active agents from the composite film
into the agar media. Several factors govern the antimicrobial activities that were determined
using these methods. The rate of active compound diffusion from the polymer to the food or
agar media is governed by polymer disintegration, film matrix swelling, humidity, affinity
between the films, and the contact materials, among other factors. Consequently, the
antimicrobial activity determined from the colony counts in active packaged foods can be
different from the in-vitro study. Moreover, the amount of the active compound released is

time- and temperature-dependent which is determined by the Arrhenius equation [46]. For
example, the temperature difference between food storage and the in-vitro microbial
incubation possibly can contribute to a difference in antimicrobial activity [62].
Previous findings pointed out that the active ingredients also affected mechanical, barrier, and
Accepted Article
physical properties including heterogeneity and discontinuity of the polymer organization,
increased free volume, plasticization effects, and hydrogen bonding or other molecular
interactions causing rigid structures [33, 36-37, 40]. Small amounts of essential oil (2.5 to
10%) possibly weakened the PBAT network [36]. Marcos et al. [51] also showed that α-
tocopherol and olive leaf extract modified the melt viscosity and increased the melt flow
index of PLA resins. The incorporated nanometal or metal oxides such as TiO2 and ZnO
produced antimicrobial activity but altered package permeability and strength [66-67].
Moreover, it should be noted that package discoloration, clarity, and taint may adversely
increase consumer dissatisfaction. Therefore, the concentration of added antioxidants and
antimicrobials is limited by adverse changes in the optical, mechanical, and barrier properties
[33, 50-51, 70, 74].
3. Absorption and scavenging of bioplastic
The sorption of small molecules through bioplastic materials is an important phenomenon
leading to changes in polymer properties. The sorption behavior is attributed to the
interaction between small molecules (sorbate) and packaging materials. Small molecules,
including gas, water, and organic compounds can be absorbed in the polymer on the higher
concentration side and desorbed on the lower concentration side. The affinity between the
compounds and the polymers is involved in describing the solubility of a compound present
in the gas phase which is in contact with a polymer phase. The greater the difference between
the polymer surface concentration and the atmospheric concentration, the higher the

desorption rate. In many simple cases, it is assumed that the sorption of the compounds into
the polymers follows the Henry‟s law which is applicable for the ideal solution at a low
concentration. Whereas the sorption as a function of polymer–permeant interaction follows
the Flory-Huggins model. In such cases, the sorption process of small molecules occurs in the
Accepted Article
glassy state of the polymer, which is much more complex than that in the rubbery state. This
sorption behavior is generally described by the dual−mode sorption model combination of
Henry‟s law dissolution in an equilibrium region and Langmuir-type sorption in a non-
equilibrium region [78].
3.1 Sorption of gases and humidity
In the sorption study of bioplastics, most researchers in the last decade have worked with the
PLA polymer as it is made from renewable resources and is commercially available in
various applications. The sorption of gases in the PLA was determined using a quartz crystal
microbalance (QCM) [79-82] The kinetics process of sorption follows different models
depending on the type of sorbate. The sorption of gases (O2 and CO2) usually occurs in the
glassy state and can be described by the dual-mode sorption model [79,82] There are two
mechanisms involved in the sorption of gases in glassy bioplastics that describe the sorption
at equilibrium and non-equilibrium. However, the Flory-Huggins model [80] and the
Langmuir model [82] can describe the predominant control of carbon dioxide and oxygen
sorption, respectively, in PLA films. The predicted results from these models provided good
correlation with the experimental data for gas sorption in the PLA.These predicted
coefficients were higher using the time-lag method, which could be explained by the time-lag
method including only the diffusion of gas through the films while the other models take into
account both molecules that diffuse through and those that are trapped in the void occurring
in the case of glassy polymer [79]. Not only oxygen and carbon dioxide gases but also
ethylene gas has been studied for sorption in PLA films. The results showed that the

experimental data correlated well with the Langmuir model for the sorption of ethylene gas in
PLA [83]. Moreover, the sorption of gas in the bioplastics was also measured using the
gravimetric method. The sorption of carbon dioxide was found in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-
3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) [84] and PBAT [85] presenting the Fickian behavior.
Accepted Article
QCM was used to measure the sorption of water in a bioplastic which tended to follow
Henry‟s law [83]. The humidity absorption possibly modified polymer properties such as
TPS and PLA causing crazing and crystallinity evolution as well as hydrolysis leading to
weight loss in the PLA films [86].
Relative humidity (RH) and temperature are the main factors affecting the sorption of
bioplastic as shown in the study by Holm et al. [87] and Sato et al. [88]. Sorption of water in
PLA film at 98% RH was higher than at 11% RH, especially at a higher temperature. The
hydrolysis and plasticization effects were observed under high RH conditions though a
decrease in the average molecular weight leading to the loss of tensile strength [87]. Whereas
the sorption of carbon dioxide in PBS and PBSA increased with the decrease of temperature
[88]. Furthermore, the film composition also affects the sorption of gases as determined at
different pressure and temperature. The carbon dioxide sorption of PLA (D/L:80/20) is larger
than that of (D/L:98/2) at high pressure. The effect of the thermal treatment was observed
only in PLA (D/L:98/2) [82].
3.2 Sorption of organic compounds
The sorption of organic compounds has been widely investigated in petroleum-based
polymers but rarely in bioplastics where sorption is often determined using gravimetric
methods [89]. Many researchers have shown the effect of the sorption of organic compounds
on the mechanical properties of amorphous bioplastic films. Colomines et al. [90] reported
that a recrystallized sample sorbed the smallest quantity of ethyl acetate because the sorption

mostly occurred in the amorphous region. Widiastuti et al. [91] recorded decreased modulus
strength with the sorption of organic material in PLA.Furthermore, ethyl esters
(benzaldehyde and 2-nonanone) sorbed in PLA acted as plasticizer decreasing the glass
transition temperature (Tg) and increasing crystallinity [92].

Accepted Article
Volatile scalping possibly has adverse effects on the aroma concentration in foods. PLA was
shown to be a better barrier to the aroma compounds d-limonene and ethyl acetate than other
major packaging films [89]. Greater sorption of the key aromatic compounds in herbs
(eucalyptol, linalool, and estragol) was observed in PLA compared to petroleum-based
polymers [93]. It was found that the sorption of organic compounds in the polymers
depended on the affinity between the organic compounds and the polymers; therefore, the
sorption of organic compounds in polymers can be estimated using the solubility parameter
[89, 93].
3.3 Oxygen-scavenging bioplastic
Oxygen absorbers or scavengers have been used to remove oxygen from the headspace of
packaged food products and/or to absorb oxygen entering the package. They are
commercially available in many forms including sachets, films, and labels. Oxygen-
scavenging agents can be metallic, organic, polymer based, and enzyme-based agents [94] in
the forms of a polymer blend or laminate, especially in petroleum-based polymers.
Nowadays, bioplastic packaging has been incorporated with oxygen scavengers as well. The
material surface coating of the oxygen scavenger effectively remove oxygen from the
headspace of packaged food products and/or to absorb oxygen entering the package [95]. The
incorporation of an organic-scavenging agent (-tocopherol) in PLA films was studied by
Gonçalves et al. [96] and Scarfato et al. [97]. The encapsulation technique of 40% (wt) -
tocopherol in PLA films was efficient for oxygen removal [97]. Gallic acid was also used as

an organic oxygen-scavenging agent in bio-based packaging films. The highest oxygen
absorption of 1 g of gallic acid powder was 447 mg O2 at 21 °C and 100% RH. The capacity
of oxygen absorption of gallic acid was reduced after it was incorporated into films because
of the barrier property of the packaging films that limited oxygen exposure. However, the rate
Accepted Article
of oxygen absorption increased with increased RH in the packaging system [98]. The
increasing rate of oxygen absorption with increasing RH was investigated in thermoplastic
starch (TPS) films incorporating ascorbic acid (AA) and iron powder (Fe) [99]. Furthermore,
iron act as oxygen scavengers with a particle size less than 25 µm incorporated in a
biopolymer foam tray for meat packaging [100]. The development of oxygen-scavenging
materials is very important to the food product, especially for oxygen-sensitive foods, as it
can protect against quality change and extend the shelf-life of oxygen-sensitive products.
4. Permeation and high barrier bioplastic packaging
For non-biodegradable bioplastics (Bio-PE, Bio-PP, Bio-PET, and Bio-PA), the permeability
of gases (water vapor, O2, and CO2) is the same as in petroleum-based plastics (PE, PP, PET,
PA, respectively) because of the same chemical structures. For the bioplastics Groups III and
IV, the key to biodegradability is the rate of hydrolysis or oxidation in which sensitivity to
moisture or O2 in the surrounding environment is necessary to initiate the reaction. However,
this intrinsic property leads to the poor gas barrier property of biodegradable plastics.
Therefore, biodegradable plastics are mostly formed composites or blends in order to increase
the degree of crystallinity and consequently, acceptable barrier properties were obtained.
Table 4 presents examples of several bio-composites reported to reduce the permeation of
various gases and which have potential for use in food packaging and related fields [101-
110]. Additionally, the compatibilizers (e.g. modified kaolinite or phyllosilicate derivative
[107], maleic anhydride [108], and cellulose nanocrystals modified with phosphate ester

[110]) were applied to bioplastic-based composites and blends in order to enhance the
effectiveness of both mechanical and barrier properties.
There are alternative approaches to adjust the barrier or permeation of gases in bioplastic
films such as induced chain alignment, multilayer structure formation, and coating
Accepted Article
lamination. In 2016, a report and a patent claimed that the stretching and temperature control
during the secondary film-forming process can precisely induce polymer orientation,
especially in PLA film, which triggered toughness and improved gas barrier capability
[111,112].
Gao and coworkers [113] prepared alternating multilayer films of neat PLA and
PLA/graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) using a coextrusion technique. The forced assembly
during the process reduced the thickness of the GNPs and also induced in-plane orientation of
platelet-like GNPs with a high degree of planar alignment, resulting in improved strength and
water vapor barrier capability while being lightweight for food packaging [113].
Additionally, many patents claimed that laminated PLA film with a good barrier layer (metal
primed and metalized films) or an adhesion layer coated with metal oxide, was effective
moisture barriers [114-118]. PLA film was also used as a first-core layer and coated on one
side of the receiving-layer with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), a
blend of crosslinked EVOH/PVOH, vinyl alcohol-vinyl lamine (PVAm) copolymer, and
anionic carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR) emulsion. This dried coating layer
can be further metalized, resulting in superior gas and moisture barrier properties with
excellent appearance and metal adhesion [115]. PLA and PHA films can be coated as thin
barrier layer or adhesive layer onto paper or conventional plastics as substrates, since these
biodegradable plastics are safe for direct food contact [116].

For Bio-PE, Bio-PP, and Bio-PET, the lamination technique was combined with biaxial
orientation to improve the oxygen and moisture barrier properties. Generally, biaxially
oriented PE, PP, or PET (BOPE, BOPP, or BOPET, respectively) films have a high degree of
crystallinity and an ordered packing structure which play a key role in obstructing gas
Accepted Article
permeation. Practically, the biaxially oriented Bio-PE, Bio-PP, and Bio-PET films have been
further metalized to increase barrier properties [117-118].
Surface treatment using various coating techniques has effectively improved the barrier
properties of bioplastic. Not only metallic compounds but also silica derivatives have been
deposited on bioplastic films. For example, Iotti et al. [119] reported an organic-inorganic
hybrid coated PLA film for food packaging which had improved oxygen barrier properties.
The inorganic phase was based on silica whereas polyethylene glycol (PEG),
polycaprolactone (PCL), or PLA was used as the organic phase. These compounds provided
good adhesion for the PLA substrate and can be further exploited by inducing new
functionality to PLA films [119]. Song et al. [120] presented a poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)
film that was coated with silicon oxide molecules (SiOx) using plasma-enhanced chemical
vapor deposition. The permeabilities of various gases (e.g. O2, CO2, N2, and H2O) were
significantly decreased by about 30-50% compared to pure PLLA. Additionally, the
deposition of SiOx on PLLA film can increase gas permselectivity ratios of CO2/O2, O2/N2,
and CO2/N2 [120]. Furthermore, the PLLA/SiOx film can be applied to equilibrium-modified
atmosphere packaging (EMAP) to extend the shelf life of chilled meat, and the gas
composition reached its dynamic equilibrium state with 6% to 11% CO2 and 8% to 13% O2.
This PLLA/SiOx film combined with tea polyphenol pads, provided effective microbial
growth inhibition [121].
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is of wide interest to prolong the shelf-life of fresh
produce. PLA film has great potential for the development of an equilibrium-MAP (EMAP)

system. Briassoulis and coworkers used the multilayer structure of laser micro-perforated 30
µm PLA/non-perforated Mater-Bi® films for EMAP. This film was designed to be able to
adjust suitable barrier properties for cherry tomatoes and peaches [122]. Peelman et al. [123]
evaluated the shelf-life of rump steak, ham sausage, filet desaxe, grated cheese, and pre-fried
Accepted Article
fries which were MAP-packed in multilayer trays using commercial cellulose-based film/
PLA and/or paper/AlOx/PLA films. Up to the present, bioplastic products, particularly PLA,
have proven to be versatile and this allows for proper design and better control of the in-
package atmosphere than for conventional materials with their higher permeability to water
vapor combined with their poorer barrier properties with respect to CO2 and O2. The
successful application of laser micro-perforation technology in bioplastics further enhances
their possibilities in the development of optimal EMAP systems fitting the exact needs of
specific, high-value horticultural products [124].
5. Concluding remarks
Bioplastic including biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials, has been widely
developed into food packaging using conventional plastic processing. The review reflects that
PLA is the major bioplastic investigated and developed for food package. In recent decade,
several new material technologies have been investigated to fabricate functional and high-
barrier bioplastic packaging. These have included control-release (desorption), scavenging
(absorption) and permeation technology. The active ingredients derived from organic and
inorganic materials were incorporated into the packaging in the form of dispersion,
lamination, and coating to improve the functional and barrier properties. The antioxidant and
antimicrobial capacities of the packaging are major considerations in a controlled-release
application which has widely been shown in in-vitro study. However, the investigations of
food-package interactions in real food systems, containing e.g. multicomponent, mix
microbial load and headspace, are still very limited. For example, the dispersion of functional

ingredients into polymer matrices also altered package permeability and hence environment
of packaged-products. Nevertheless, only few studies pointed out these modified packaging
conditions that could directly impact shelf-life of products. Moreover, oxygen-scavenging
multilayer packaging based on bioplastic materials has been investigated and patented. The
Accepted Article
previous investigations also showed that bioplastic materials are more sensitive to humidity,
gas, and other environmental factors than petroleum-based materials, which modified
package properties and hence possibly gave diverse effects on food qualities. Accordingly,
the food products and packaging conditions greatly influence the stability and functional
properties of bioplastic packaging. Investigation of food-package interactions will need to be
emphasized strongly to achieve commercial utilization.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are grateful for financial support from the Kasetsart University Research and
Development Institute (KURDI), Bangkok, Thailand as well as the Center for Advanced
Studies for Agriculture and Food (CASAF), KU Institute for Advanced Studies and the
Faculty of Agro-Industry.
REFERENCES
1 Ashter SA. Introduction to bioplastics engineering. William Andrew; 2016 Mar 29.
2 http: / / www. plastics. org. nz/ environment/ educational-resources/ environmental-
resources/bioplastics-degradables
3 Morschbacker A. Bio-ethanol based ethylene. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part C:
Polymer Reviews. 2009 May 7;49(2):79-84.
4 Byun Y, Kim YT. Bioplastics for food packaging: Chemistry and physics. Innovations in
Food Packaging (Second Edition) 2014 (pp. 353-368).

5 Byun Y, Kim YT. Utilization of bioplastics for food packaging industry. Innovations in
Food Packaging (Second Edition) 2014 (pp. 369-390).
6 https://www.designnews.com/materials-assembly/cereplast-commercializes-algae-based-
bioplastic/1380698539228
Accepted Article
7 Niaounakis M. Biopolymers: Applications and trends. William Andrew; 2015 Aug 13.
8 Vink ETH, Davies S. Life cycle inventory and impact assessment data for 2014 IngeoTM
polylactide production. Industrial Biotechnology. 2015 June 11; 3(11): 167–80.
9 Farmer N. Trends in packaging of food, beverages and other fast-moving consumer goods
(FMCG): markets, materials and technologies. Elsevier; 2013 Feb 26.
10 Berti C, Binassi E, Colonna M, Fiorini M, Kannan G, Karanam S, Mazzacurati M, Odeh I
(2010) Bio-based terephthalate polyesters. US Patent 2,010,168,371, 1 July 2010.
11 Robertson G. Edible, biobased and biodegradable food packaging materials. In Food
Packaging: Principles and Practise (Third Edition) 2012 (pp. 70).
12 Nakajima H, Dijkstra P, Loos K. The recent developments in biobased polymers toward
peneral and engineering applications: Polymers that are upgraded from biodegradable
polymers, analogous to petroleum-derived polymers, and newly developed. Polymers.
2017; 523(9): 1-26.
13 Che L, Li D, Wang LJ, Chen XD, Mao ZH. Micronization and hydrophobic modification
of cassava starch. International Journal of Food Properties. 2007 July; 10(3): 527-536.
14 Cunha AG, Gandini A. Turning polysaccharides into hydrophobic materials: a critical
review. Part 2. Hemicelluloses, chitin/chitosan, starch, pectin and alginates. Cellulose
2010 June; 17: 1045–1065.
15 Thakore IM, Desai S, Sarawade S, Devi S. Studies on biodegradability, morphology and
thermomechanical properties of LDPE/modied starch blends. European Polymer
Journal 2001; 37: 151-160.

16 Kfoury G, Raquez JM, Hassouna F, Odent J, Toniazzo V, Ruch D, Dubois P. Recent
advances in high performance poly (lactide): from “green” plasticization to super-
tough materials via (reactive) compounding. Frontiers in chemistry. 2013 Dec
17;1:32.
Accepted Article
17 Jiugao Y, Ning W, Xiaofei M. The effects of citric acid on the properties of thermoplastic
starch plasticized by glycerol. Starch‐Stärke. 2005 Oct;57(10):494-504.
18 Li H, Huneault MA. Comparison of sorbitol and glycerol as plasticizers for thermoplastic
starch in TPS/PLA blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2011 Feb
15;119(4):2439-48.
19 Ning W, Jiugao Y, Xiaofei M, Ying W. The influence of citric acid on the properties of
thermoplastic starch/linear low-density polyethylene blends. Carbohydrate Polymers.
2007 Feb 1;67(3):446-53.
20 Wang L, Shogren RL, Carriere C. Preparation and properties of thermoplastic
starch‐polyester laminate sheets by coextrusion. Polymer Engineering and Science.
2000 Feb;40(2):499-506.
21 Berruezo M, Ludueña LN, Rodriguez E, Alvarez VA. Preparation and characterization of
polystyrene/starch blends for packaging applications. Journal of Plastic Film and
Sheeting. 2014 Apr;30(2):141-61.
22 Russo MA, O‟Sullivan C, Rounsefell B, Halley PJ, Truss R, Clarke WP. The anaerobic
degradability of thermoplastic starch: Polyvinyl alcohol blends: Potential
biodegradable food packaging materials. Bioresource Technology. 2009 Mar
1;100(5):1705-10.
23 Jariyasakoolroj P, Tashiro K, Wang H, Yamamoto H, Chinsirikul W, Kerddonfag N,
Chirachanchai S. Isotropically small crystalline lamellae induced by high biaxial-

stretching rate as a key microstructure for super-tough polylactide film. Polymer.
2015 Jun 26;68:234-45.
24 Mallet B, Lamnawar K, Maazouz A. Improvement of blown film extrusion of poly (lactic
acid): Structure–processing–properties relationships. Polymer Engineering and

Accepted Article
Science. 2014 Apr;54(4):840-57.
25 Ross G, Ross S, Tighe BJ. Bioplastics: new routes, new products. InBrydson's Plastics
Materials (Eighth Edition) 2017 (pp. 631-652).
26 Gigli M, Negroni A, Soccio M, Zanaroli G, Lotti N, Fava F, Munari A. Influence of
chemical and architectural modifications on the enzymatic hydrolysis of poly
(butylene succinate). Green Chemistry. 2012;14(10):2885-93.
27 Fujimaki T. Processability and properties of aliphatic polyesters, „BIONOLLE‟,
synthesized by polycondensation reaction. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 1998
Jan 3;59(1-3):209-14.
28 Rhim JW, Park HM, Ha CS. Bio-nanocomposites for food packaging applications.
Progress in Polymer Science. 2013 Oct 1;38(10-11):1629-52.
29 Frankel EN. Lipid oxidation. Elsevier; 2014 Jan 23. Gómez-Estaca J, López-de-Dicastillo
C, Hernández-Muñoz P, Catalá R, Gavara R. Advances in antioxidant active food
packaging. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2014 Jan 31;35(1):42-51.
30 Quintavalla S, Vicini L. Antimicrobial food packaging in meat industry. Meat Science.
2002 Nov 1;62(3):373-80.
31 Mastromatteo M, Mastromatteo M, Conte A, Del Nobile MA. Advances in controlled
release devices for food packaging applications. Trends in Food Science and
Technology. 2010 Dec 31;21(12):591-8.
32 Gómez-Estaca J, Gómez-Guillén MC, Montero P. The effect of combined traditional and
novel treatments on oxidative status of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and sardine

(Sardina pilchardus) muscle lipids. Food Science and Technology International. 2014
Sep;20(6):431-40.
33 Byun Y, Kim YT, Whiteside S. Characterization of an antioxidant polylactic acid (PLA)
film prepared with α-tocopherol, BHT and polyethylene glycol using film cast
Accepted Article
extruder. Journal of Food Engineering. 2010 Sep 1;100(2):239-44.
34 Yang W, Fortunati E, Dominici F, Giovanale G, Mazzaglia A, Balestra GM, Kenny JM,
Puglia D. Effect of cellulose and lignin on disintegration, antimicrobial and
antioxidant properties of PLA active films. International Journal of Biological
Macromolecules. 2016 Aug 1;89:360-8
35 Woranuch S, Yoksan R, Akashi M. Ferulic acid-coupled chitosan: Thermal stability and
utilization as an antioxidant for biodegradable active packaging film. Carbohydrate
Polymers. 2015 Jan 22; 115:744-51.
36 Cardoso LG, Santos JC, Camilloto GP, Miranda AL, Druzian JI, Guimarães AG.
Development of active films poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate)-PBAT
incorporated with oregano essential oil and application in fish fillet preservation.
Industrial Crops and Products. 2017 Dec 1;108:388-97.
37 Fidelis JC, Monteiro AR, Scapim MR, Monteiro CC, Morais DR, Claus T, Visentainer JV,
Yamashita F. Development of an active biodegradable film containing tocopherol and
avocado peel extract. Italian Journal of Food Science. 2015 Dec 16;27(4):468-75.
38 Fabra MJ, López‐Rubio A, Sentandreu E, Lagaron JM. Development of multilayer corn
starch‐based food packaging structures containing β‐carotene by means of the
electro‐hydrodynamic processing. Starch‐Stärke. 2016 Jul 1;68(7-8):603-10.
39 Burgos N, Armentano I, Fortunati E, Dominici F, Luzi F, Fiori S, Cristofaro F, Visai L,
Jiménez A, Kenny JM. Functional properties of plasticized bio-based poly (lactic

acid) _poly (hydroxybutyrate)(PLA_PHB) films for active food packaging. Food and
Bioprocess Technology. 2017 Apr 1;10(4):770-80.
40 Arrieta MP, Castro-Lopez MD, Ray n E, Barral-Losada LF, L pez- ilari o JM, L pez J,
Gonz lez-Rodríguez MV. Plasticized poly (lactic acid)–poly (hydroxybutyrate)(PLA–

Accepted Article
PHB) blends incorporated with catechin intended for active food-packaging
applications. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2014 Oct 3;62(41):10170-
80.
41 Guilhen A, Gadioli R, Fernandes FC, Waldman WR, Aurelio De Paoli M. High‐ density
green polyethylene biocomposite reinforced with cellulose fibers and using lignin as
antioxidant. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2017 Sep 15;134(35).
42 Van Aardt M, Duncan SE, Marcy JE, Long TE, O'keefe SF, Sims SR. Release of
antioxidants from poly (lactide-co-glycolide) films into dry milk products and food
simulating liquids. International Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2007 Nov
1;42(11):1327-37.
43 Almasi H, Ghanbarzadeh B, Dehghannya J, Entezami AA, KhosrowshahiAsl A.
Development of a novel controlled-release nanocomposite based on poly (lactic acid)
to increase the oxidative stability of soybean oil. Food Additives and Contaminants:
Part A. 2014 Sep 2;31(9):1586-97.
44 López de Dicastillo C, Bruna J, Torres A, Alvarado N, Guarda A, Galotto MJ. A
traditional aboriginal condiment as an antioxidant agent in the development of
biodegradable active packaging. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2017 Apr
15;134(15).
45 Haema K, Piroonpan T, Taechutrakul S, Kempanichkul A, Pasanphan W. Piperidine-
conjugated polyfunctional star-shaped PLLA as a novel bio-based antioxidant additive
for bioplastics. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 2017 Sep 1; 143:145-54.

46 Jamshidian M, Tehrany EA, Desobry S. Release of synthetic phenolic antioxidants from
extruded poly lactic acid (PLA) film. Food Control. 2012 Dec 1;28(2):445-55.
47 Liu D, Li H, Jiang L, Chuan Y, Yuan M, Chen H. Characterization of active packaging
films made from poly (lactic acid)/poly (trimethylene carbonate) incorporated with
Accepted Article
oregano essential oil. Molecules. 2016 May 27;21(6):695.
48 Llana-Ruiz-Cabello M, Pichardo S, Baños A, Núñez C, Bermúdez JM, Guillamón E,
Aucejo S, Cameán AM. Characterisation and evaluation of PLA films containing an
extract of Allium spp. to be used in the packaging of ready-to-eat salads under
controlled atmospheres. LWT-Food Science and Technology. 2015 Dec 1;64(2):1354-
61.
49 Llana-Ruiz-Cabello M, Pichardo S, Bermúdez JM, Baños A, Núñez C, Guillamón E,
Aucejo S, Cameán AM. Development of PLA films containing oregano essential oil
(Origanum vulgare L. virens) intended for use in food packaging. Food Additives and
Contaminants: Part A. 2016 Aug 2;33(8):1374-86.
50 Manzanarez-López F, Soto-Valdez H, Auras R, Peralta E. Release of α-tocopherol from
poly (lactic acid) films, and its effect on the oxidative stability of soybean oil. Journal
of Food Engineering. 2011 Jun 1;104(4):508-17.
51 Marcos B, Sárraga C, Castellari M, Kappen F, Schennink G, Arnau J. Development of
biodegradable films with antioxidant properties based on polyesters containing α-
tocopherol and olive leaf extract for food packaging applications. Food Packaging and
Shelf Life. 2014 Jun 1;1(2):140-50.
52 Ortiz-Vazquez H, Shin J, Soto-Valdez H, Auras R. Release of butylated hydroxytoluene
(BHT) from poly (lactic acid) films. Polymer Testing. 2011 Aug 1;30(5):463-71.

53 Ramos M, Jiménez A, Peltzer M, Garrigós MC. Development of novel nano-biocomposite
antioxidant films based on poly (lactic acid) and thymol for active packaging. Food
Chemistry. 2014 Nov 1;162:149-55.
54 Rodríguez-Martínez AV, Sendón R, Abad MJ, González-Rodríguez MV, Barros-

Accepted Article
Velázquez J, Aubourg SP, Paseiro-Losada P, de Quiros AR. Migration kinetics of
sorbic acid from polylactic acid and seaweed based films into food simulants. LWT-
Food Science and Technology. 2016 Jan 1;65:630-6.
55 Samsudin H, Soto-Valdez H, Auras R. Poly (lactic acid) film incorporated with marigold
flower extract (Tageteserecta) intended for fatty-food application. Food Control. 2014
Dec 1;46:55-66.
56 Limm W, Hollifield HC. Modelling of additive diffusion in polyolefins. Food Additives
and Contaminants. 1996 Nov 1;13(8):949-67.
57 Appendini P, Hotchkiss JH. Review of antimicrobial food packaging. Innovative Food
Science and Emerging Technologies. 2002 Jun 1;3(2):113-26.
58 Suppakul P, Miltz J, Sonneveld K, Bigger SW. Active packaging technologies with an
emphasis on antimicrobial packaging and its applications. Journal of Food Science.
2003 Mar 1;68(2):408-20.
59 Cha DS, Chinnan MS. Bioplastic-based antimicrobial packaging: a review. Critical
Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2004 Jul 1;44(4):223-37.
60 Bouzidi F, Guessoum M, Fois M, Haddaoui N. Viscoelastic, thermo-mechanical and
environmental properties of composites based on polypropylene/poly (lactic acid)
blend and copper modified nanoclay. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology.
2018 Mar 4;32(5):496-515.
61 Lorite GS, Rocha JM, Miilumäki N, Saavalainen P, Selkälä T, Morales-Cid G, Gonçalves
MP, Pongrácz E, Rocha CM, Toth G. Evaluation of physicochemical/microbial

properties and life cycle assessment (LCA) of PLA-based nanocomposite active
packaging. LWT-Food Science and Technology. 2017 Jan 1;75:305-15.
62 Reazaeigolestani M, Misaghi A, Khanjari A, Basti AA, Abdulkhani A, Fayazfar S.
Antimicrobial evaluation of novel poly-lactic acid based nanocomposites incorporated

Accepted Article
with bioactive compounds in-vitro and in refrigerated vacuum-packed cooked
sausages. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2017 Nov 2;260:1-0.
63 Arfat YA, Ahmed J, Ejaz M, Mullah M. Polylactide/graphene oxide nanosheets/clove
essential oil composite films for potential food packaging applications. International
Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2018 Feb 1;107:194-203.
64 Muller J, Quesada AC, González-Martínez C, Chiralt A. Antimicrobial properties and
release of cinnamaldehyde in bilayer films based on polylactic acid (PLA) and starch.
European Polymer Journal. 2017 Nov 1;96:316-25.
65 Villegas C, Torres A, Rios M, Rojas A, Romero J, de Dicastillo CL, Valenzuela X,
Galotto MJ, Guarda A. Supercritical impregnation of cinnamaldehyde into polylactic
acid as a route to develop antibacterial food packaging materials. Food Research
International. 2017 Sep 1;99:650-9.
66 Venkatesan R, Rajeswari N. TiO2 nanoparticles/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)
bionanocomposite films for packaging applications. Polymers for Advanced
Technologies. 2017 Dec 1;28(12):1699-706.
67 Venkatesan R, Rajeswari N. ZnO/PBAT nanocomposite films: Investigation on the
mechanical and biological activity for food packaging. Polymers for Advanced
Technologies. 2017 Jan 1;28(1):20-7.
68 de Camargo Andrade-Molina TP, Shirai MA, Grossmann MV, Yamashita F. Active
biodegradable packaging for fresh pasta. LWT-Food Science and Technology. 2013
Nov 1;54(1):25-9.

69 Babu SS, Mathew S, Kalarikkal N, Thomas S. Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and microbial
barrier properties of poly (ε-caprolactone)/cloisite 30B thin films. 3 Biotech. 2016
Dec 1;6(2):249.
70 Campos-Requena VH, Rivas BL, Pérez MA, Figueroa CR, Figueroa NE, Sanfuentes EA.
Accepted Article
Thermoplastic starch/clay nanocomposites loaded with essential oil constituents as
packaging for strawberries- In vivo antimicrobial synergy over Botrytis cinerea.
Postharvest Biology and Technology. 2017 Jul 1;129:29-36.
71 Villarruel S, Giannuzzi L, Rivero S, Pinotti A. Changes induced by UV radiation in the
presence of sodium benzoate in films formulated with polyvinyl alcohol and
carboxymethyl cellulose. Materials Science and Engineering: C. 2015 Nov 1;56:545-
54.
72 Liu G, Song Y, Wang J, Zhuang H, Ma L, Li C, Liu Y, Zhang J. Effects of nanoclay type
on the physical and antimicrobial properties of PVOH-based nanocomposite films.
LWT-Food Science and Technology. 2014 Jul 1;57(2):562-8.
73 Moradian S, Almasi H, Moini S. Development of bacterial cellulose‐ based active
membranes containing herbal extracts for shelf life extension of button mushrooms
(Agaricus bisporus). Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 2018
Mar;42(3):e13537.
74 Shankar S, Rhim JW. Tocopherol-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and
preparation of antimicrobial PBAT/silver nanoparticles composite films. LWT-Food
Science and Technology. 2016 Oct 1;72:149-56.
75 Jash A, Lim LT. Triggered release of hexanal from an imidazolidine precursor
encapsulated in poly (lactic acid) and ethylcellulose carriers. Journal of Materials
Science. 2018 Feb 1;53(3):2221-35.

76 Dai R, Lim LT. Release of allyl isothiocyanate from mustard seed meal powder entrapped
in electrospun PLA–PEO nonwovens. Food Research International. 2015 Nov
1;77:467-75.
77 Santagata G, Valerio F, Cimmino A, Dal Poggetto G, Masi M, Di Biase M, Malinconico

Accepted Article
M, Lavermicocca P, Evidente A. Chemico-physical and antifungal properties of poly
(butylene succinate)/cavoxin blend: Study of a novel bioactive polymeric based
system. European Polymer Journal. 2017 Sep 1;94:230-47.
78 Mercea P. Models for diffusion in polymers. Plastic Packaging: Interactions with Food
and Pharmaceuticals. 2008 Feb 20:123-62.
79 Delin SU, Jian ZH. Molecular simulation of oxygen sorption and diffusion in the poly
(lactic acid). Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2013 Mar 1;21(3):301-9.
80 Oliveira NS, Oliveira J, Gomes T, Ferreira A, Dorgan J, Marrucho IM. Gas sorption in
poly (lactic acid) and packaging materials. Fluid Phase Equilibria. 2004 Aug
15;222:317-24.
81 Oliveira NS, Dorgan J, Coutinho JA, Ferreira A, Daridon JL, Marrucho IM. Gas solubility
of carbon dioxide in poly (lactic acid) at high pressures. Journal of Polymer Science
Part B: Polymer Physics. 2006 Mar 15;44(6):1010-9.
82 Oliveira NS, Dorgan J, Coutinho JA, Ferreira A, Daridon JL, Marrucho IM. Gas solubility
of carbon dioxide in poly (lactic acid) at high pressures: thermal treatment effect.
Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics. 2007 Mar 1;45(5):616-25.
83 Oliveira NS, Goncalves CM, Coutinho JA, Ferreira A, Dorgan J, Marrucho IM. Carbon
dioxide, ethylene and water vapor sorption in poly (lactic acid). Fluid Phase
Equilibria. 2006 Dec 20;250(1-2):116-24.

84 Cravo C, Duarte AR, Duarte CM. Solubility of carbon dioxide in a natural biodegradable
polymer: Determination of diffusion coefficients. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids.
2007 Mar 1;40(2):194-9.
85 Lin S, Yang J, Yan J, Zhao Y, Yang B. Sorption and diffusion of supercritical carbon
Accepted Article
dioxide in a biodegradable polymer. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B. 2010
Feb 26;49(2):286-300.
86 Pantani R, De Santis F, Auriemma F, De Rosa C, Di Girolamo R. Effects of water
sorption on poly (lactic acid). Polymer. 2016 Sep 2;99:130-9.
87 Holm VK, Ndoni S, Risbo J. The stability of poly (lactic acid) packaging films as
influenced by humidity and temperature. Journal of Food Science. 2006 Mar 1;71(2).
88 Sato Y, Takikawa T, Sorakubo A, Takishima S, Masuoka H, Imaizumi M. Solubility and
diffusion coefficient of carbon dioxide in biodegradable polymers. Industrial and
Engineering Chemistry Research. 2000 Dec 4;39(12):4813-9.77
89 Auras R, Harte B, Selke S. Sorption of ethyl acetate and d-limonene in poly (lactide)
polymers. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2006 Mar 1;86(4):648-56.
90 Colomines G, Ducruet V, Courgneau C, Guinault A, Domenek S. Barrier properties of
poly (lactic acid) and its morphological changes induced by aroma compound
sorption. Polymer International. 2010 Jun 1;59(6):818-26.
91 Widiastuti I, Sbarski I, Masood SH. Sorption characteristic of organic liquid and its effect
on the mechanical performance of a PLA-based plastic. Journal of Applied Polymer
Science. 2016 May 20;133(20).
92 Salazar R, Domenek S, Courgneau C, Ducruet V. Plasticization of poly (lactide) by
sorption of volatile organic compounds at low concentration. Polymer Degradation
and Stability. 2012 Oct 1;97(10):1871-80.

93 Leelaphiwat P, Auras RA, Burgess GJ, Harte JB, Chonhenchob V. Preliminary
quantification of the permeability, solubility and diffusion coefficients of major aroma
compounds present in herbs through various plastic packaging materials. Journal of
the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2018 Mar 1;98(4):1545-53.

Accepted Article
94 Gaikwad KK, Singh S, Lee YS. Oxygen scavenging films in food packaging.
Environmental Chemistry Letters. 2018:1-6.
95 Amberg-Schwab S, Burger A, Weber U, Xalter R, Nique S, inventors; Fraunhofer
Gesellschaft zurForderung der AngewandtenForschung, assignee. Coating materials
with oxygen scavenger and/or oxygen indicator function for coating or bonding and
products produced therewith. United States patent application US 12/092,133. 2009
May 7.
96 Gonçalves C, Tomé LC, Coutinho JA, Marrucho IM. Addition of α‐ tocopherol on poly
(lactic acid): Thermal, mechanical, and sorption properties. Journal of Applied
Polymer Science. 2011 Feb 15;119(4):2468-75.85
97 Scarfato P, Avallone E, Galdi MR, Maio L, Incarnato L. Preparation, characterization, and
oxygen scavenging capacity of biodegradable α-tocopherol/PLA microparticles for
active food packaging applications. Polymer Composites. 2017 May 1;38(5):981-6.
98 Pant AF, Sängerlaub S, Müller K. Gallic Acid as an Oxygen Scavenger in Bio-Based
Multilayer Packaging Films. Materials. 2017 May 3;10(5):489.
99 Mahieu A, Terrié C, Youssef B. Thermoplastic starch films and thermoplastic
starch/polycaprolactone blends with oxygen-scavenging properties: Influence of water
content. Industrial Crops and Products. 2015 Oct 15;72:192-9.
100 Chau CC, Incorvia SA, Payne DS, Powers TH, Solovyov SE, inventors; Multisorb
Technologies Inc, assignee. Thermoplastic and biodegradable polymer foams

containing oxygen scavenger. United States patent application US 12/719,160. 2011
Sep 8.
101 Rhim JW, Hong SI, Ha CS. Tensile, water vapor barrier and antimicrobial properties of
PLA/nanoclay composite films. LWT-Food Science and Technology. 2009 Mar

Accepted Article
1;42(2):612-7.
102 Tang X, Alavi S, Herald TJ. Barrier and mechanical properties of starch‐clay
nanocomposite films. Cereal Chemistry. 2008 May;85(3):433-9.
103 Park HM, Lee WK, Park CY, Cho WJ, Ha CS. Environmentally friendly polymer
hybrids Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of thermoplastic starch/clay
nanocomposites. Journal of Materials Science. 2003 Mar 1;38(5):909-15.
104 Park HM, Kim GH, Ha CS. Preparation and characterization of biodegradable aliphatic
polyester/thermoplastic starch/organoclay ternary hybrid nanocomposites. Composite
Interfaces. 2007 Jan 1;14(5-6):427-38.
105 Biswas M, Ray SS. Recent progress in synthesis and evaluation of polymer-
montmorillonite nanocomposites. InNew polymerization techniques and synthetic
methodologies 2001 (pp. 167-221). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
106 Rhim JW, Ng PK. Natural biopolymer-based nanocomposite films for packaging
applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2007 Apr 26;47(4):411-
33.
107 Cabedo L, Luis Feijoo J, Pilar Villanueva M, Lagarón JM, Giménez E. Optimization of
biodegradable nanocomposites based on aPLA/PCL blends for food packaging
applications. InMacromolecular Symposia 2006 Feb (Vol. 233, No. 1, pp. 191-197).
Weinheim: WILEY‐VCH Verlag.
108 Sabet SS, Katbab AA Interfacially compatibilized poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic
acid)/polycaprolactone/organoclay nanocomposites with improved biodegradability

and barrier properties: Effects of the compatibilizer structural parameters and feeding
route. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2009 Feb 15;4(111):1954-63.
109 Dufresne A, Dupeyre D, Vignon MR. Cellulose microfibrils from potato tuber cells:
processing and characterization of starch–cellulose microfibril composites. Journal of

Accepted Article
Applied Polymer Science. 2000 Jun 28;76(14):2080-92.
110 Arrieta MP, Fortunati E, Dominici F, Rayón E, López J, Kenny JM. PLA-PHB/cellulose
based films: Mechanical, barrier and disintegration properties. Polymer Degradation
and Stability. 2014 May 2;107:139-49.
111 Cloutier JR, Mizumura T, Chang KP, inventors; Toray Plastics (America) Inc, assignee.
Biaxially oriented polylactic acid film with high barrier. United States patent US
9,314,999. 2016 Apr 19.
112 Zhou SY, Huang HD, Xu L, Yan Z, Zhong GJ, Hsiao BS, Li ZM. In situ nanofibrillar
networks composed of densely oriented polylactide crystals as efficient reinforcement
and promising barrier wall for fully biodegradable poly (butylene succinate)
composite films. ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. 2016 Apr
15;4(5):2887-97.
113 Gao Y, Picot OT, Tu W, Bilotti E, Peijs T. Multilayer coextrusion of graphene polymer
nanocomposites with enhanced structural organization and properties. Journal of
Applied Polymer Science. 2018 Apr;135(13):46041.
114 Knoerzer AR, Laverdure KS, Mount III EM, Rodgers BD, inventors; Frito-Lay North
America Inc, assignee. Bio-Based In-Line High Barrier Metalized Film and Process
for its Production. United States patent application US 12/716,033. 2010 Sep 2.
115 Paolilli TA, Fitch JJ, inventors; Toray Plastics (America) Inc, assignee. Multi-layer high
moisture barrier polylactic acid film. United States patent US 8,734,933. 2014 May
27.

116 Knoerzer AR, Laverdure KS, Rodgers BD, inventors; Frito-Lay North America Inc,
assignee. Environmentally-friendly multi-layer flexible film having barrier properties.
United States patent US 7,943,218. 2011 May 17.
117 Chang KP, Brandmeier MF, inventors; Toray Plastics (America) Inc, assignee. Biaxially
Accepted Article
oriented bio-based polyolefin films and laminates. United States patent application
US 13/102,415. 2011 Nov 10.
118 Sakellarides SL, Chang KP, inventors; Toray Plastics (America) Inc, assignee. Biaxially
oriented bio-based polyester films and laminates. United States patent application US
13/179,007. 2013 Jan 10.
119 Iotti M, Fabbri P, Messori M, Pilati F, Fava P. Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings for the
modification of barrier properties of poly (lactic acid) films for food packaging
applications. Journal of Polymers and the Environment. 2009 Mar 1;17(1):10-9.
120 Song S, Wang Y, Liang M, Qi X, Yang J, Jin Y, Dong T. Mechanical and gas barrier
properties of poly (L-lactic acid) by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of
SiOx. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering. 2018 Apr 13;57(6):581-90.
121 Dong T, Song S, Liang M, Wang Y, Qi X, Zhang Y, Yun X, Jin Y. Gas permeability and
permselectivity of poly (L‐lactic Acid)/SiOx film and its application in
equilibrium‐modified atmosphere packaging for chilled meat. Journal of Food
Science. 2017 Jan;82(1):97-107.
122 Briassoulis D, Mistriotis A, Giannoulis A, Giannopoulos D. Optimized PLA-based
EMAP systems for horticultural produce designed to regulate the targeted in-package
atmosphere. Industrial Crops and Products. 2013 Jul 1;48:68-80.
123 Peelman N, Ragaert P, Vandemoortele A, Verguldt E, De Meulenaer B, Devlieghere F.
Use of biobased materials for modified atmosphere packaging of short and medium

shelf-life food products. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies. 2014
Dec 1;26:319-29.
124 Mistriotis A, Briassoulis D, Giannoulis A, D‟Aquino S. Design of biodegradable bio-
based equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) for fresh fruits and
Accepted Article
vegetables by using micro-perforated poly-lactic acid (PLA) films. Postharvest
Biology and Technology. 2016 Jan 1;111:380-9.

Captions for FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1 Categories of bioplastics according to resources and biodegradability, adapted from [2].
Figure 2 Classification of biodegradable polymers by different resources and production
technologies, adapted from [16].

Accepted Article
Figure 3 Bioplastic packaging and conversion technologies
Courtesy of the Department of Packaging and Materials Technology, Kasetsart University,
Bangkok, Thailand.
Table 1 Types of bioplastics and intrinsic properties with packaging forms
Table 2 Previous investigations on antioxidant bioplastic for food packaging
Table 3 Previous investigations on antimicrobial bioplastic for food packaging
Table 4 Improved barrier properties in different bio-nanocomposites

Accepted Article
Figure 1 Categories of bioplastics according to resources and biodegradability, adapted from [2]
Figure 2 Classification of biodegradable polymers by different resources and production

technologies, adapted from [16].

Accepted Article
Figure 3 Bioplastic packaging and conversion technologies

Courtesy of the Department of Packaging and Materials Technology, Kasetsart University,
Thailand.

Table 1 Types of bioplastics and intrinsic properties with packaging forms
Intrinsic properties
Bioplastics Packaging form References
Advantages Disadvantages
Bio-PE  Recyclable  Non-degradable  Bottle (HDPE) [3,5]
Accepted Article
 Less carbon footprint (as  Bags, pouches,
compared to petroleum-based wrap (LLDPE)
PE, according to ISO 14040
and ISO 14044)
 Chemical and physical
properties, similar to
Group II
petroleum-based PE
Bio-PET  Recyclable  Non-degradable  Bottle [5]
 Less carbon footprint (as  Film
compared to petroleum-based  Fiber
PET, determined by ASTM
D6866)
 Chemical and physical
properties, similar to
petroleum-based PET
TPS  High Flexibility  Sensitive to moisture  Film, edible film [9]
 Natural abundance  High melt viscosity  Bubble wrap
 Cost effectiveness  Sheet
 Compostable  Foam
PLA  Transparency  Brittleness  Bag [8, 9]
 High strength  Low barrier and heat  Film, metalized
 Production capability in distortion film, shrink film
Group III
industrial-scale  Required specific  Clamshells, tray

 Less carbon footprint (as extreme conditions to  Foam
compared to petroleum-based degrade and compost
PE, PP and PET films,
determined by EN 16640)
PHAs  Relatively high impact strength  Brittleness  Tray [9]
 Compostable (EN13432  High production cost  Bag
standard)  High CO2 emission  Bottle (personal
(as compared to cares)
petroleum-based PP  Film coating
bag, by EN 16640)
PBAT  High flexibility  Low processability  Bag (polymer [9]
 Biodegradable  High production cost blends or
 Less carbon footprint (as  Low transparency composites)
compared to petroleum-based
LDPE bag, determined by
Group IV
ASTM D6866)
PBS  High flexibility  Low processability  Film coating [9,26]
 Biodegradable  High production cost  Film (polymer
 Compostable (depending on  Low transparency blends or
resources, EN13432 standard) composites)
 Less carbon footprint (as
compared to petroleum-based
LDPE films, by EN 16640)

Accepted Article
Table 2 Previous investigations on antioxidant bioplastic for food packaging
Food Antioxidant
Antioxidant Converting Packaging
Bioplastic Antioxidants products/ food capacity References
content technology Form
simulants measurement
PLA α-tocopherol 1 % (w/w) α- Methanol Extrusion Film DPPH [33]
tocopherol
PLA Lignin nanoparticles 1, 3% (w/w) Methanol Extrusion Film DPPH [34]
(LNP)
PLA/TPS/PBA Ferulic acid-coupled 0.02-0.16 % Ethanol Extrusion Film DPPH [35]
T chitosan (w/w) FRAP
PBAT Oregano essential oil 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, Fish Extrusion Film DPPH [36]
7.5 and
10.0 % (w/w)
TPS/PBAT Tocopherol 0.3-0.8 % 50:50 Extrusion Film DPPH [37]
Avocado peel extract (w/w) Ethanol/water
Corn TPS/PCL β-carotene 50 % (w/w) TCM Electrospinnin Film ABTS [38]
g
PLA/PHB Carvacrol 10 % (w/w) Methanol Compression Film DPPH [39]
molding
PLA/PHB Catechin 5 % (w/w) 50% ethanol Extrusion Film DPPH [40]
Bio Lignin 5 % (w/w) - Injection Composite Oxidation [41]
HDPE/cellulos molding s material induction time
e (OIT)
PLGA α-tocopherol 2% α- Water Solution Film UV [42]

BHA tocopherol Oil casting spectrophotom
BHT 1 % BHA, eter
1% BHT

Accepted Article Food Antioxidant
PLA TBHQ 3 % (w/w) Soybean oil Solution Film DPPH [43]
casting Oxidative
stability index
(OSI)
PLA Merken (Chilean spice) 3, 5 % (w/w) Ethanol Extrusion Film DPPH [44]
50% ethanol ABTS
Water FRAP
Total phenolic
content
PLLA Piperidine (PPD) 0.03 % (w/w) - Compression Sheet Free radical [45]
molding scavenging
ability by EPR
sprectra
1
PLA BHA 2 % (w/w) CDCL3 Extrusion Film H-NMR [46]
BHT HPLC
Propyl gallate
TBHQ
PLA/poly Oregano essential oil 0, 3, 6, 9 and Water Solution Film DPPH [47]
(trimenthylene 12 % (w/w) Methanol casting Total phenolic
carbonate) content
PLA Allium spp. extract 2, 5, and 6.5% Methanol Extrusion Film DPPH [48]
(w/w) ABTS
PLA Oregano essential oil 2, 5 and 10 % Methanol Extrusion Film DPPH [49]
(w/w) ABTS
PLA α-tocopherol 2.58 % (w/w) Ethanol Extrusion Film HPLC [50]
Ecoflex and α-tocopherol 10 % (w/w) Methanol Extrusion Film DPPH [51]

Ecoflex- Olive leaf extract
PLA

Accepted Article Food Antioxidant
PLA BHT 1.5 % (w/w) Water Extrusion Film HPLC [52]
95% ethanol
Coconut oil
PLA Thymol 8 % (w/w) Methanol Compression Film DPPH [53]
molding
PLA Sorbic acid 0.5 % (w/w) Methanol Extrusion Film HPLC [54]
PLA Marigold flower extract 2 % (w/w) Methanol Extrusion Film HPLC [55]
containing astaxanthin
EVOH Clove essential oil 3 % (w/w) Water Extrusion Film HPLC [60]
3% acetic acid
10% ethanol
95% ethanol

Accepted Article
Table 3 Previous investigations on antimicrobial bioplastic for food packaging
Analysis of
Antimicrobial Antimicrobial Food product Packaging Microorganisms
Bioplastic antimicrobial References
agent content
activity
PLA Copper modified MMT-Cu2+: 3.0% - Film Staphylococcus aureus Agar disc [60]
montmorillonite (wt) diffusion
(MMT-Cu2+) PP-g-MA: 0.0, method
PP-graft-maleic 10.0% (wt)
anhydride
(PP-g-MA)
Nanoclays 1.0% Unpeeled Tray Lactic acid bacteria Colony count [61]
melons Pseudomonasaeruginosa by microbial
Yeasts and moulds kits
Total mesophilic microorganism
Total coliforms
Psychrotrophic microorganism
Enterobacteriaceae
Zatariamultiflora ZME: Refrigerated Film Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC Agar disc [62]
Bioss. essential 0.5,1.0%(v/v) vacuum 19111) diffusion
oil (ZME) PEE: 2.0% (v/v) packed Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC method
Propolisethanolic cooked 25923) Colony count
extract (PEE) sausages Escherichia coliO157:H7 (ATCC
43895)
Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC
43996)
Aerobic plate count
Lactic acid bacteria
Molds and yeasts
Enterobacteriaceae
Psychrotrophic bacteria
Clove essential Clove essential - Film Escherichia coli (ATCC25922) Liquid [63]

Accepted Article Analysis of
agent content
activity
oil (CLO) oil: 15.0– Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC culture test
Graphene oxide 30.0%(w/w) 6538)
(GO) nanosheets Graphene oxide:
nanosheets1.0%
(w/w)
Carvacrol Carvacrol:0.0,10. Ethanol 10% Film Escherichia coli (CECT 434) Agar disc [39]
Oligomer lactic 0% (wt) (v/v) Staphylococcus aureus (CECT diffusion
acid (OLA) Oligomer lactic Isooctane 239) method
acid:0.0,15.0,
20.0% (wt)
Cinnamaldehyde 2.5% (wt) Ethanol: 10% Film Escherichia coli Bacterial [64]
(v/v) Listeria Innocua counts
Acetic acid:
3% (w/v)
Ethanol: 50%
(v/v)
Isooctane
Cinnamaldehyde 1.0 mL - Film Escherichia coli (O157:H7) ASTM E [65]
Presure condition: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 2149
9.0,12.0 (Mpa): 25923), Determining
Depressurization under
rate: 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 dynamic
(min−1) contact
conditions
PBAT TiO2 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, - Film Escherichia coli Agar disc [66]
7.0, 10.0% (wt) Staphylococcus aureus diffusion
method
ZnO 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, - Nanocom- Escherichia coli Agar disc [67]
10.0% (wt) posite film Staphylococcus aureus diffusion
method

agent content
activity
Potassium sorbate 0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5% Fresh pasta Film Yeast and mould Colony count [68]
(wt)
Oregano 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, Fish fillet Film Total coliforms Colony count [36]
(Origanum 10.0% (wt) Staphylococcus aureus
vulgare) Psychrotrophic microorganisms.
essentialoil
(OEO)
PCL Cloisite 30B clay 0.0, 1.0, 3,5% - Film Staphylococcus haemolyticus Agar disc [69]
(polycapro (wt) Staphylococcus epidermidis diffusion
lactones) method
Tissueculture
plate method
(TCP)
Starch/ Essential oil Carvacrol: thymol Strawberries Film Botrytis cinerea Image [70]
TPS Carvacrol 50:50 analysis of
Thymol infected area
PVOH Sodium benzoate 0.1% (wt) - Film Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Agar [71]
(SB) Salmonella spp. diffusion
Sodium benzoate- Penicillium spp method with
UV Candida spp Image
analysis
Montmorillonite 5.0% (wt) - Nanocomp Listeria monocytogenes Colony count [72]
(MMT) nanoclay osite film Staphylococcus aureus
Salmonella enteric
Escherichia coli (O157:H7)
Pomegranate peel 25.0, 50.0% (wt) Mushroom Film for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC- Agar disc [73]
extract (PPE) (Agaricus tray cover 19111) diffusion
Green tea extract bisporus) Escherichia coli (O157:H7ATCC- method
(GTE 11775)

agent content
activity
Rosemary extract
(RE)

Table 4 Improved barrier properties in different bio-nanocomposites
Dispersed phase/
Polymer matrices Improved barrier References
nucleating agents
Clay (cloisite 30B,
Accepted Article
PLA Water vapor [101]
Cloisite Na+)
Starch Water vapor [102]
TPS Water vapor [103]
PBS/TPS Water vapor [104]
PLA O2, N2, CO2 [105-106]
Amorphous PLA/PCL O2 [107]
PLA/PCL O2 [108]
Cellulose nanofiber Starch Water vapor [109]
Cellulose nanocrystals PLA/PHB O2, Water vapor [110]

Advances in Research and Development of Bioplastic For Food Packaging

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Advances in Research and Development of Bioplastic For Food Packaging

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Advances in research and development of bioplastic for food packaging

Piyawanee Jariyasakoolroj, Pattarin Leelaphiwat and Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit*

Department of Packaging and Materials Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart

University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

*Corresponding author E-mail address: nathdanai.h@ku.ac.th

materials (polylactide, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch) have been successfully converted

improved high-barrier packaging technologies (modified polymer, coating, and lamination)

have been developed to increase the shelf-life of food products.

Keywords: Bioplastic, Food Packaging, Packaging Technology, Release, Scavenging, Barrier

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

the implementation of stringent environmental regulations [1]. Bioplastics can be categorized

necessarily biodegradable such as bio-based-polyethylene (Bio-PE), bio-based-polypropylene

(Bio-PP), and bio-based-poly(ethylene terephthalate) (Bio-PET), which are made by

biodegradable after use by oxidation or photodegradation reactions. However, the rate of

biodegradation mainly depends on the types of bioplastics. Furthermore, after biodegradation

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

as ethylene and ethylene glycol (EG).

emission. Currently, Braskem offers a wide range of bio-based high-density polyethylene

(HDPE) and linear-low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Therefore, Bio-PE facilitates

for injection-molding packaging in 2011. It is made using 20 percent post-industrial algae

biomatter and targets thin-walled applications [6].

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

terpenes, and carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) as reactants. Recently, PepsiCo

performance of Bio-PET packaging is identical to other petroleum-based PET products [11].

All non-biodegradable bioplastics as developed have the same structure as those of

the production process [12].

1.2 Biodegradable plastics for food packaging

in Figure. 2. Natural biodegradable plastics can be divided into three subgroups by

Starch is a polysaccharide mostly found in carbohydrate-plants. It consists of a large number

structures of amylose (amorphous and crystalline phases) and a branching structure of

amylopectin (amorphous phase), respectively. The ratio of amylose/amylopectin mainly

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

bioplastic production using chemical and physical pathways [13-15].

Plasticization or thermoplastic formation of starch is a promising approach to deal with the

limitation of processability. Polyhydric alcohols (glycerol, sorbitol, carboxylic acid), polyols,

epoxy-functionalized chain extender, nucleating agent (talc and N, N‟-ethylenbis

(stearamide)), and plasticizer (polyethylene glycol). A semi-crystalline structure during the

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

improvement in film flexibility.

group of polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) instead of the methyl group of PHB generates

(polybutylene succinate), and PBAT (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate) [25].

Bioplastic packaging has been successfully produced using conventional packaging

conversion including extrusion, blow molding, compression molding, injection molding,

gas and water barrier.

2. Release and desorption activity in bioplastics

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

and discoloration. A direct reaction of molecular oxygen with organic compounds or so

control-release packaging can prolong the migration of antimicrobial and antioxidizing

required concentrations for long-term storage [30-32].

2.1 Antioxidant packaging

The development of antioxidant release bioplastic packaging is shown in Table 2. Both

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

synthetic phenolic mixture at 20 °C and 40 °C [46]. Accordingly, the derived diffusion

importance on the release mechanism of matrix disintegration due to ethanol. Moreover,

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

migration occurs. Accordingly, several factors inﬂuence antioxidant diffusion through a

polymer including [39, 46, 56]:

 Polymer properties, including polymer morphology, crystallinity, molecular weight

distribution, density, cross-linking, branching, and orientation which subsequently

enhance the release rate.

matrix and simulants, and solubility.

the plasticizers hasten the release.