The Influence of Intermolecular Interactions between Maleic Anhydride, Cellulose Nanocrystal, and Nisin-Z on the Structural, Thermal, and Antimicrobial Properties of Starch-PVA Plasticized Matrix

• Main Authors: Taíla V. de Oliveira, Pedro A. V. de Freitas, Cicero C. Pola, Larissa R. Terra, José O. R. da Silva, Amanda T. Badaró, Nelson S. Junior, Marciano M. de Oliveira, Rafael R. A. Silva, Nilda de F. F. Soares
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Polysaccharides
• Subjects: active packaging; biodegradable blends; intermolecular interactions; thermal stability
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4176/2/3/40

On behalf of a circular economy, regular plastics have been replaced by biodegradable packagings. Besides, active films have been applied to improve the shelf-life and quality of foods. In this work, blends were developed using starch as a low-cost natural polymer, mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) due to its physical-chemical and biodegradable properties. Moreover, maleic anhydride (MaAh), cellulose-nanocrystal (CN), and nisin-z (N-Z) were added, respectively, as a compatibilizer, a mechanical-reinforce, and antimicrobial agents. The thermal stability of the films was analyzed, which blends’ melting temperature occurred around 200–207 °C, and it was influenced by CN, N-Z, and MaAh amounts. N-Z and MaAh acted against <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> by compound diffusion (inhibition-halo around 1.85 and 2.18 cm); while <i>S. Choleraesuis</i> and <i>E. coli</i> were inhibited by contact. Therefore, these blends presented the potential to be used as active biodegradable packaging in the food industry.