Publications by authors named "Kyle Dunno"

The processing industry discards avocado seeds, which increases production and ultimately pollutes the environment. It would be advantageous to handle these waste by-products both economically and environmentally. Avocado seeds are rich in polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive substances.

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There is a tremendous increase in the development of alternative food packaging materials which are functional, environment-friendly, and can improve the shelf-life of food products. One such possible approach is to develop biopolymer-based active films loaded with antimicrobial essential oils. In the present study, pearl millet starch (PMS) films reinforced with kudzu cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) stabilized Pickering emulsions of clove bud oil (CBO) were developed as active and sustainable packaging material.

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This paper documents the preparation of three biopolymer films: 1) pearl millet starch (PMS) films, 2) PMS films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and 3) PMS films reinforced with CNCs stabilized Pickering emulsion of clove bud oil (CBO) and a comparison of their mechanical and water barrier properties and biodegradation behavior in soil. Reinforcing PMS films with Kudzu CNCs/CBO significantly increased tensile strength (from 3.9 to 16.

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In the current study, starch-based active nanocomposite films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals (CNCs) of Kudzu were developed as an alternative option to existing biodegradable plastic packaging. Firstly, Kudzu CNCs were prepared by subjecting Kudzu fibers to the processes such as depolymerization followed by bleaching, acid hydrolysis, and mechanical dispersion. Further, nanocomposite films were formulated by blending pearl millet starch (PMS) and glycerol (30%) with different Kudzu CNCs compositions (0-7 wt%) using the solution casting process.

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Postharvest damage, leading to loss and waste, continues to be a significant problem in the fresh produce industry. Trays, designed to reduce fruit-to-fruit contact, are utilized by the apple industry to minimize bruising of whole apples. During distribution, packaged apples are subjected to various supply chain hazards, which may lead to bruising damage.

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