NOVAPACK: Novel biopolymer systems containing antimicrobial and antioxidant extracts
M. Grimaldi 1, D. Gallichi-Nottiani 1, C. Sciancalepore1, A. Ricci2, V. Bernini2 , S. Figuccia2, A. Volpi1 , D. Milanese1 , D. Battegazzore3 , G. Iacono3 , M. Toselli4 , G. Malucelli3
1 Dept. of Engineering for Industrial Systems and Technologies, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy e-mail: maria.grimaldi@unipr.it
2 Dept. of Food and Drug, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
3 Dept. of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Viale Teresa Michel 5, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
4 Dept. of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, Università di Bologna, Via Piero Gobetti 85,, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Bio-based packaging is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional polymers, particularly in food packaging, where antimicrobial and antioxidant properties help prevent contamination and health risks. A promising strategy involves the combination of bio-based polymers with natural extracts to improve functionality, utilizing antimicrobial effects ranging from structural modifications to controlled-release systems. Additionally, agro-food waste bioconversion has gained interest in producing valuable antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) effectively transforms plant-based by-products into bioactive substances. Since a third of global food production is wasted, fermentation presents a sustainable method for recovering natural antimicrobials and reducing waste. The NOVAPACK project focuses on the following: (1) optimize lactic acid fermentation protocols for high-yield extraction of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds from agro-food waste, (2) develop bio-based packaging films with enhanced biodegradability and antimicrobial properties, (3) design an industrial-scale process plant and a pilot demonstrator, and (4) simulate the entire layer-by-layer production process and supply chain. Results will be presented on the layer-by-layer deposition of an antimicrobial extract coating, the characterization of the deposited films, and the antimicrobial activity of biopolymers with the coating.
Bando PRIN 2022 PNRR”, NOVAPACK (E53D23017750001) project—“NOVel solutions based on natural resources for sustainable Antimicrobial food and biomedical PACKaging: a circular economy approach” — is gratefully acknowledged. The opinions expressed are those of the author only and should not be considered as representative of the European Union or the European Commission’s official position. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.