Nanotechnology and Biopolymers in Food Packaging: Focused on Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) as an Edible Biopolymer in Biobased Films and Nanocomposites

Due to the environmental concerns caused by the plastic films, the world is experiencing an increase in development and application of sustainable bio-based polymer films replacing their petroleum-basedcounterparts. Among biopolymers, polysaccharides due to their good film-forming, mechanical andgas barrier properties compared to other biodegradable materials are highly considered as a potential source for bio-based packaging. However, due to their poor mechanical and barrier properties, theindustrial utilization of biopolymeric packaging films has not been materialized. One of the methodsfor overcoming or at least diminishing such a problems is to manufacture composites with other filler materials. Nanotechnology makes it possible to prepare nanocomposite forms of biopolymers bycombining various types of nano-sized filler materials such as nanoclays, nanometals, and cellulosicnanofibers into the biopolymeric matrix. Consequently, improved physical, mechanical and barrier properties of biopolymers will be achived. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), water soluble cellulose ether, due to its availability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and good film-formingproperties has been widely used in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries. This reviewfocused on CMC and its different propertise in films and nanocomposites applications. As a promissing biopolymer, CMC let the material researchers make multifunctional packaging films and bio-nanocomposites with desired properties in food, pharmaceutical and other related industries

Keywords:

Biopolymer , Bio-nanocomposite , Bio-based packaging , Edible film , Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)