Development of active films of chitosan and limonene/poli(limonene)

• Grant number: 20/14837-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2021
• End date: February 28, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Grantee: Mateus Henrique Ramos Barbosa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The concern with the amount of non-degradable plastic of fossil origin present on the planet has motivated the search for more sustainable alternatives. Chitosan, obtained from crustaceans, stands out as an option to produce biodegradable films. Because it has good biocompatibility, it is often associated with additives to improve its properties. Coming from citrus industry residues, limonene, the essential oil obtained from orange peel, is already widely used in industry, especially for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. For being a cyclic terpene hydrocarbon, this oil drew the attention of the polymer industry to improve the properties of biodegradable films. However, due to its low molecular mass and high volatility, its performance is limited, and the polymerization of this essential oil presents itself as a possible solution. This project aims to study and compare the properties and advantages of using poly(limonene) concerning limonene, besides its interaction with chitosan and its industrial applications. To produce the test films, it is desired to find the ideal ratio between the materials for chitosan/poly(limonene) and chitosan/limonene films. It is expected that the blend of chitosan/poly (limonene), as the latter is less volatile, preserves the properties of the limonene and improves the properties of the chitosan.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DE AVILA GONCALVES, SAYENY; BARBOSA, MATEUS HENRIQUE RAMOS; MARANGONI JR, LUIS; ALVES, ROSA MARIA VERCELINO; VIEIRA, RONIERIK PIOLI. Poly(limonene): A novel renewable oligomeric antioxidant and UV-light blocking additive for chitosan-based films. FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE, v. 37, p. 11-pg., 2023-05-10. (20/14837-3, 21/04043-2)

RAMOS BARBOSA, MATEUS HENRIQUE; GONCALVES, SAYENY DE AVILA; MARANGONI JUNIOR, LUIS; VERCELINO ALVES, ROSA MARIA; VIEIRA, RONIERIK PIOLI. Physicochemical properties of chitosan-based films incorporated with limonene. OURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATIO, v. 16, n. 3, p. 13-pg., 2022-02-08. (21/04043-2, 20/14837-3)