Bioactive compounds are necessary for human health, which are sensible to degradation. Today, nanoencapsulation-based polymer packaging where the incorporation of bioactive compound in the packaging film structure with encapsulated form is a promising approach with benefits, such as higher bioavailability, high shelf-stability sheltering nutrients from undesirable conditions e.g. light, moisture and oxygen, and controlled release of active compounds.
This project will investigate the migration of bioactive compounds from biodegradable poly (lactic acid) (PLA) film to a model multiphase food system (emulsions) and how the food matrix (food components and micro- and nano-structures) impacts the absorption and diffusion of bioactive compound in several model/real foods. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based structures will also be used as nanocarrier to improve gas barrier performance of packaging to reduce the oxidation-induced degradation of bioactive compound by acting as barriers for oxygen reaching encapsulated active compound in the complexes. This knowledge can then be used to design an optimal active packaging tailored to the properties of the specific food product.
