Multifunctional natural polymers films and plasma-modified silver-based semiconductors: a strategy for the production of biocide materials with controlled permeability

• Grant number: 23/00151-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Sandra Andrea Cruz
• Grantee: Jéssica Fernanda Pereira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/09858-2 - Biopolymeric packaging films modified by plasma etching: A strategy to verify food security by the determination of NIAS and IAS, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

The population search for products of natural origin has increased every day, which ended up helping the increase in research involving the use of natural polymers. An example of this is the concern with the type of material used in the production of food packaging, to be able to meet consumer demand for products with superior qualities, with more safety and with longer shelf life. Based on this, the present work has as general objective the production of multifunctional films from the casting methodology, using natural polymers, such as gelatin, xanthan gum and cellulose, with the addition of silver-based semiconductors in different concentrations. The physical-chemical characteristics and biocide activity will be evaluated according to the inserted particle content, as well as the polymer-particle interaction. Additionally, plasma polymerization will be used to produce a biodegradable coating called oxygenated hydrogenated amorphous carbon to improve barrier properties. The polymerization conditions, such as initial precursor concentration, time and thickness of the deposited layer, and chemical nature will dictate the barrier properties of the film, as well as its biodegradability. It is intended to produce multifunctional films capable of meeting biocide, mechanical, thermal and cross-sectional requirements, with controlled barrier properties. Finally, in the deposited films, no-intentionally added substances (NIAS) and intentionally additional substances (IAS) will be determined and quantified through specific analytical techniques, and aiming at food safety. (AU)