Green Cu particles for functional and biodegradable food packaging solutions

Abstract

This study demonstrates a simple approach to synthesize green Cu particles stabilized by poly(n-vinyl)pyrrolidone (PVP): the latter acts as stabilizer and dispersant, and its presence in solution eliminates the need for an inert atmosphere. Synthetic parameters were tuned to obtain particles with diameters >200 nm, to be human-safe and prevent nano-cytotoxicity. PVP and reductant concentrations, with reaction times, were varied to investigate their effect on colloidal stability, kinetics, and particles size. Particles were fully characterized, morphologically and spectroscopically. Cu@PVP colloids were washed, to remove unbound PVP and reactions byproducts, and then embedded in chitosan (CS) polymer matrix, to prepare self-standing films for food packaging applications. Films were obtained by a simple solvent evaporation protocol. Pellicles were characterized by common analytical techniques; viscoelastic properties, water uptake, and Cu²⁺ ionic release were investigated, as well. The films antimicrobial efficacy was also tested against three different model fungi responsible for agrifood spoilage.

Keywords: Agrifood spoilage; Chitosan; Copper particles; Food packaging; Shelf life; Thin film.