Cooperation between PPGCEM and Embrapa creates new multifunctional packaging from gelatin and nanocellulose

PPGCEM’s researchers incorporated cellulose nanocrystals, modified with a pine-derived resin, into gelatin. The result was a stable and edible plastic with antimicrobial, antioxidant, biodegradable properties for food packaging. The technique used by the researchers allowed the use of aqueous solutions and shorter processing times, opening perspectives for production of the new multifunctional gelatin plastics on an industrial scale. The research is the result of scientific cooperation between PPGCEM, Embrapa, and University of Grenoble Alpes.

The ancient and versatile gelatin powder was the basis of a new edible and biodegradable plastic developed for multifunctional packaging purposes. Using a continuous casting method, researchers from PPGCEM incorporated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), modified with a pine-derived resin, into gelatin to strengthen its structure and produce a tough plastic more quickly. The continuous casting method had not applied for pilot-scale protein film processing so far. This innovative work is the result of the PhD project of the chemistry Liliane Samara Ferreira Leite, concluded in 2021 at PPGCEM, under the supervision of Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso (PPGCEM’s professor/Embrapa Instrumentation’s researcher) and Francys Kley Vieira Moreira (DEMa’s professor) in cooperation with University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France.

CNCs are rod-shaped rigid crystalline particles extracted from plant biomass. They are biodegradable, have low density, high modulus of elasticity, and excellent mechanical properties, being currently produced on a commercial scale. In addition to the common
functions for packaging, such as protection, storage, and convenience, Leite developed plastics with advanced functions, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

The results demonstrated the promising use of CNC-reinforced gelatin plastics for multifunctional packaging. Validated on a pre-pilot scale, the next challenges of the research involve the design of heat-sealable package prototypes for storage of different commercial
products.

Part of the research was published in the article “Eco-friendly gelatin films with rosin-
grafted cellulose nanocrystals for antimicrobial packaging” at the International Journal of
Biological Macromolecules. Access via: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.10.189

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