The global food processing industry heavily relies on synthetic plastics such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polystyrene (PS) for food packaging. While these petroleum-based materials offer durability and flexibility, their excessive use contributes significantly to plastic waste pollution, posing environmental and health hazards due to the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed next-generation biodegradable food packaging systems using agricultural byproducts. This innovation aims to revolutionize the industry while promoting a circular bioeconomy.
Turning Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Packaging
Led by Dr. Preetam Sarkar, Associate Professor at the Department of Food Process Engineering, and his PhD student Ravichandran Santhosh, the research team has been exploring the potential of natural polymers extracted from agricultural biomaterials. Their primary focus is on tamarind kernel polysaccharides, a byproduct generated in large quantities in India with minimal utilization. Tamarind kernels contain xyloglucans, a class of hemicellulose that offers excellent mechanical strength and barrier properties, making them ideal for food packaging applications.
To enhance the biophysical properties of tamarind-based films, the team integrated starches from jackfruit seeds (Artocarpus heterophyllus), jamun seeds (Syzygium cumini), and litchi seeds (Litchi chinensis). These starch-based biocomposites demonstrated improved flexibility, durability, and shelf-life extension capabilities for perishable food items.
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Integrating Nanotechnology for Superior Performance
The researchers further enhanced the films by incorporating nanomaterials such as:
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles
- Chitosan nanoparticles
- Lignin nanoparticles
These nanoparticles significantly boosted the films’ antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making them effective against common foodborne pathogens like Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. The nanocomposite films displayed robust mechanical properties, including tensile strength and Young’s modulus, comparable to conventional synthetic plastics such as polypropylene and LDPE. Additionally, the films exhibited superior surface hydrophobicity (water resistance) and provided better protection for packaged food items.
Biodegradable Films That Extend Shelf Life
The NIT Rourkela team’s bioplastics have demonstrated remarkable potential in extending the shelf life of perishable food systems such as tomatoes, sapota, and bananas. This innovation offers a promising solution for reducing food waste while minimizing plastic pollution.
Global Recognition and Impact
The groundbreaking research from NIT Rourkela has been published in prestigious scientific journals, including:
- Food Hydrocolloids (Elsevier)
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (Elsevier)
- Food Chemistry (Elsevier)
By creating biodegradable food packaging from agricultural waste, the NIT Rourkela scientists are making significant strides in promoting a circular bioeconomy, reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics, and addressing the global plastic waste crisis. Their work paves the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly food processing industry, benefiting both the environment and public health.
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