Green Cu particles for functional and biodegradable food packaging solutions

• Published in: Food chemistry 2025-02, Vol.464 (Pt 3), p.141823, Article 141823
• Main Authors: d'Agostino, Danilo, Sportelli, Maria Chiara, Gentile, Luigi, Desopo, Marika, Izzi, Margherita, Incerti, Ornella, Sanzani, Simona Marianna, Cioffi, Nicola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agrifood spoilage; Chitosan; Chitosan - chemistry; Copper - chemistry; Copper particles; Food packaging; Food Packaging - instrumentation; Fungi - chemistry; Fungi - drug effects; Fungi - growth & development; Green Chemistry Technology; Particle Size; Povidone - chemistry; Shelf life; Thin film
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141823

This study demonstrates a simple approach to synthesize green Cu particles stabilized by poly(n-vinyl)pyrrolidone (PVP): the latter acts as stabilizer and dispersant, and its presence in solution eliminates the need for an inert atmosphere. Synthetic parameters were tuned to obtain particles with diameters >200 nm, to be human-safe and prevent nano-cytotoxicity. PVP and reductant concentrations, with reaction times, were varied to investigate their effect on colloidal stability, kinetics, and particles size. Particles were fully characterized, morphologically and spectroscopically. Cu@PVP colloids were washed, to remove unbound PVP and reactions byproducts, and then embedded in chitosan (CS) polymer matrix, to prepare self-standing films for food packaging applications. Films were obtained by a simple solvent evaporation protocol. Pellicles were characterized by common analytical techniques; viscoelastic properties, water uptake, and Cu2+ ionic release were investigated, as well. The films antimicrobial efficacy was also tested against three different model fungi responsible for agrifood spoilage. •Bioactive packaging materials can significantly reduce agrifood wastes.•200-nm Cu particles were synthesized trough a novel and green procedure in aqueous solution.•A new packaging material based on chitosan self-standing films, modified with Cu particles, is here presented.•The films were fully characterized, for chemical composition, viscoelastic properties, and ionic release.•The films were successfully tested against agrifood pathogenic fungi.