Beyond brewing: β-acid rich hop extract in the development of a multifunctional polylactic acid-based food packaging.

Hops' (Humulus lupulus L.) phytochemicals are well known for their bioactivity. In the present study, the functional properties of hop extract rich in β-acids, as potassium-salts structures (KBA), were investigated to develop a sustainable active food packaging.

Natural bioactives in perspective: The future of active packaging based on essential oils and plant extracts themselves and those complexed by cyclodextrins.

Aiming to attend to consumers' increasing demand for synthetic additives-free food products (stimulated by personal preferences or health concerns), the food industry has been trying to introduce natural bioactive compounds as food preservatives. In this respect, the development of active food packaging incorporated with natural compounds could be of great interest. However, this scenario still has some particularities that can hinder its application in the food industry, such as relatively reduced stability and, in some cases, undesirable sensorial properties.

Film based on magnesium impregnated biochar/cellulose acetate for phosphorus adsorption from aqueous solution.

Phosphorus (P) is a nutrient necessary for agricultural production and a potential originator for eutrophication in water bodies, resulting in qualitative changes; it may also affect the aquatic ecosystem and human health. In addition, as a finite resource, the importance of studying strategies to remove it from water is evident, thus making possible its recycling. Many studies have used powdered materials, including biochars, for P water decontamination; however, the difficulty of separating and collecting these materials from water after adsorption may be difficult.

Starch, cellulose acetate and polyester biodegradable sheets: Effect of composition and processing conditions.

The production of biodegradable plastic materials using natural resources has aroused increased attention due to environmental concerns. This study aimed to manufacture novel, commercially feasible, biodegradable sheets by flat die extrusion-calendering process produced with thermoplastic starch/plasticized cellulose acetate (TPS/PCA) and thermoplastic starch/plasticized cellulose acetate/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (TPS/PCA/PBAT) blends, and to investigate the effects of composition and processing conditions, morphological characteristics, and thermal properties. The results showed that TPS/PCA and TPS/PCA/PBAT biodegradable sheets properties were highly dependent upon both composition and processing temperature.