0000000001194850
AUTHOR
Luciano Piergiovanni
Comparison of cellulose nanocrystals obtained by sulfuric acid hydrolysis and ammonium persulfate, to be used as coating on flexible food-packaging materials
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), extracted from trees, plants, or similar cellulose-containing materials, can be used in combination with other materials to improve their performance or introduce new applications. The main purpose of this study was to compare and understand the potentialities, as coatings for Poly(ethylene terephthalate) films, of CNCs obtained starting from the same cotton linters by two different processes: sulfuric acid hydrolysis and a less common treatment with ammonium persulfate (APS), able to provide also a cellulose oxidation. The results showed that CNCs produced through the APS treatment showed higher charge densities, due to the carboxylic groups formed during the…
Cellulose Nanocrystals from Lignocellulosic Raw Materials, for Oxygen Barrier Coatings on Food Packaging Films
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are unique, renewable top-down nano particles from which coatings with improved gas barrier properties and new functionalities can be prepared. In this paper, the potential for obtaining such high performing nanocrystals from low-cost lignocellulosic by-products or raw materials is proved by a comparison study on CNCs obtained both from cotton linters and kraft pulp, by means of the ammonium persulfate (APS) process. Morphological and chemical characterization of the nanocrystals obtained, as well as the main functional properties of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) coated films, showed quite similar characteristics and performances of CNCs obtained from pure c…
Evaluation of the antioxidant/antimicrobial performance of Posidonia oceanica in comparison with three commercial natural extracts and as a treatment on fresh-cut peaches (Prunus persica Batsch)
Abstract This research aimed at extending the choice of natural antimicrobials/antioxidants for food applications. Four plant extracts, Posidonia oceanica (PO), Green Tea (GT), Grape seeds (GS) and Grape skin (GK), were analyzed to determine their total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and in vitro antimicrobial performance. PO extract showed the highest total phenolic content (711 mg gallic acid/g extract) and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum . The highest antioxidant (3.81 mg/L EC 50 ) and antibacterial activities (bactericidal against Gram positives and bacteriostatic against Gram negatives) were found for GT extract. The best performing ext…