Biodegradable bioplastic films with bionanoparticle coatings for food packaging
Sustainable food packaging films combining biopolymers (levan, PHA, mesquite gum) with zinc bionanoparticles produced via biological synthesis. The films offer antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, water activity control, and home-compostable biodegradability, suitable for roll coating processes and tropical conditions.
Overview
This solution delivers biodegradable food packaging films formulated from biopolymers and bionanoparticles, both produced through biological synthesis. The films are designed for food bag packaging and offer antioxidant and antimicrobial functionality while remaining fully biodegradable under home-composting conditions. By combining levan, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and mesquite gum with biologically synthesized zinc bionanoparticles, the technology provides an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional plastic packaging with enhanced performance properties.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Biopolymers: Levan from Bacillus sp., PHAs from microorganisms, and mesquite gum from Prosopis sp., all biodegradable and biocompatible
- Bionanoparticles: Zinc nanoparticles synthesized via Aspergillus sp., featuring biological functionalization with proteins that serve as crosslinking arms
- Film formation: Polymer matrix blends created through gelation, encapsulation, and film-forming processes with emulsifying capacity
- Functional properties: Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, water activity control suitable for tropical conditions
- Processing compatibility: Optimized for commercially available roll coating processes
- End-of-life: Biodegradable under home-composting conditions
Validation approach: A factorial design with 3 factors and 18 runs evaluated polymerization and emulsifying capacity. Results confirmed that biopolymers act as emulsifying agents capable of forming polymer matrix blends, while bionanoparticles contribute antimicrobial activity through their biological functionalization.
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated at laboratory scale with demonstrated film formation, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and emulsifying capacity. Future validation will focus on optimizing PHA production from Bacillus strains, evaluating PHA blends with levan and mesquite gum in solvent-free conditions, and testing physical-chemical properties including adhesion to layer core and water activity control under tropical conditions. Biodegradability under home-composting conditions and compatibility with commercial roll coating processes will also be assessed.
About QUMIR NANO
Qumir Nano is an Argentine biotech startup that specializes in developing sustainable agricultural solutions by integrating microbiology and nanotechnology. The company utilizes a proprietary platform where microbial metabolites are incorporated into nanostructured delivery systems. This technology acts as a precision delivery vehicle, designed to improve the stability, efficacy, and environmental safety of agricultural inputs. By leveraging microbial "nanofactories," the platform creates bio-nano products—such as the Atiq Nano crop protector—that offer an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides by protecting crops from fungal pathogens while promoting plant health and nutrition.
This technology addresses significant agricultural challenges, including soil degradation, climate change, and the increasing development of pathogen resistance to conventional chemicals. By offering high-performance bio-nanoinputs, Qumir Nano aims to help farmers increase productivity while maintaining environmental responsibility. The company’s approach has been validated through extensive field trials across Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Recently recognized for its impact on sustainable agriculture, Qumir Nano continues to scale its scientific platform, supported by research collaborations and institutional backing from organizations such as GRIDX.
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