Iran makes nanocomposite food packaging

Tehran, April 26, IRNA - Tehran University researchers have made all-cellulose nanocomposite (ACNC) film made from bagasse cellulose nanofibers for food packaging. Most materials used in the packaging industry are produced from fossil fuels, which are non-biodegradable, so widespread use of such materials has a damaging impact on the environment. Researchers have developed bio-based polymers that could replace this non-biodegradable packaging. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer in existence and can be derived from sugarcane bagasse. Principal investigator Moin Qaderi said that 4.3m tons sugarcane are produced annually in Iran. One ton of sugarcane generates 280 kilograms of bagasse. Qaderi added that ACNC film was produced from sugarcane bagasse nanofibers using N,N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride solvent. ACNC can be considered a material with potential for application in cellulose-based food packaging due to its durability and biodegradability. Bagasse is the fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane or sorghum stalks are crushed to extract their juice. End