Development of Chitosan based Electrospun Nanofibers for Active and Intelligent Packaging

Author: Shourathunnisa Begum, Sharanagouda Hiregoudar, Udaykumar Nidoni, Ramappa K.T., Kurubar A.R. and Saroja N. Rao

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Abstract

The active and intelligent packaging market is rapidly growing, driven by the increasing demand for fresher, higher quality food at reasonable costs. Nanotechnology, with its unique properties and potential applications, has emerged as a promising field for improving food packaging. Electrospinning, a simple technique for producing ultrafine polymer fibers, is particularly relevant in this context. Chitosan, a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer, has shown remarkable potential in the development of electrospun nanofibers for intelligent packaging applications. This study focuses on the development of chitosan-based electrospun nanofibers and their suitability for smart packaging. Optimal conditions for achieving smaller diameter nanofibers were identified as 1.0 mL h-1 flow rate and 25 kV of voltage.

Keywords

Electrospinning, Flow rate, Voltage, Viscosity and Surface tension, Chitosan, Nanotechnology

Conclusion

The development of chitosan based electrospun nanofibers for intelligent packaging holds significant promise for enhancing the active and intelligent packaging market. Electrospinning of chitosan offers a sustainable and biodegradable solution with properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a high surface area-to-volume ratio, making it an ideal candidate for applications in smart packaging. The experimental results have provided insights into the key parameters for successful electrospinning of chitosan nanofibers. The electrical conductivity, viscosity, and surface tension of the chitosan solution play crucial roles in determining the quality of nanofibers. Furthermore, the diameter and morphological characterization of the electrospun nanofibers showed that the choice of flow rate and voltage significantly influences the nanofiber size and morphology. The most favorable conditions for obtaining smaller diameter nanofibers were at a flow rate of 1.0 mL. h-1 and a voltage of 25 kV. In the context of intelligent packaging, these electrospun chitosan nanofibers exhibit great potential for various applications, including pH-sensitive indicators, food and beverage packaging, and other areas where pH changes are involved. The development of eco-friendly, biodegradable nanofiber materials aligns with the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry. The use of chitosan-based electrospun nanofibers opens up new possibilities for innovative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, contributing to the evolution of active and intelligent packaging technologies to meet the demands of the global food market.

References

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How to cite this article

Shourathunnisa Begum, Sharanagouda Hiregoudar, Udaykumar Nidoni, Ramappa K.T., Kurubar A.R. and Saroja N. Rao (2023). Development of Chitosan based Electrospun Nanofibers for Active and Intelligent Packaging. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 695-698.