Cellulose and chitin/chitosan combination barrier coating for sustainable packaging
Bio-based barrier coating combining cellulose with chitin/chitosan that matches EVOH oxygen transmission rates while offering antimicrobial protection and soil biodegradability. Designed to replace petroleum-based barrier materials in packaging applications.
Overview
This technology offers a sustainable, bio-based barrier coating that combines cellulose with chitin and chitosan fibrils to reduce the permeability of gases and moisture in packaging films. The coating is designed to match the oxygen transmission rate performance of EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), a widely used petroleum-based barrier material, while delivering additional benefits including antimicrobial protection and enhanced soil biodegradability. By replacing EVOH and similar synthetic barriers, this solution supports packaging manufacturers in meeting sustainability goals without sacrificing barrier performance.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Combines cellulose with chitin fibrils and chitosan to create a barrier coating with oxygen transmission rates equivalent to EVOH
- Variable water vapor transmission rates depending on coating method, thickness, number of layers, drying temperature, and humidity, allowing tuning for different product segments
- Demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy, achieving greater than 99.99% reduction against E. coli using ISO 22196:2011 testing standards
- Effective fungal resistance validated through ASTM G-21 testing
- Soil biodegradability exceeding 94% within 70 days per ASTM D5988 CO2 evolution testing, faster than cellulose or chitosan alone
- Compatible with multiple forms of cellulose and chitosan, offering formulation flexibility
Technology readiness level
The coating technology has progressed through initial field production coating trials and laboratory validation of key performance characteristics including barrier properties, antimicrobial efficacy, and biodegradation. The technology is currently at the proof-of-concept stage, with final validation testing underway. Remaining work includes optimizing oxygen and water vapor transmission rates by evaluating additional cellulose forms such as microfibrillated cellulose, testing various chitin and chitosan combinations, exploring naturally derived binders, and refining application methodology. Results to date suggest strong commercial potential for packaging applications requiring both barrier performance and environmental sustainability.
About Chitozan Health LLC
Chitozan Health LLC is a biotechnology research firm that develops antimicrobial solutions utilizing patented silver-chitosan technology [1][3][5]. Their core innovation, marketed as Silver Shell or Glucosil, incorporates chitosan and silver particles to create durable, effective antimicrobial barriers for various applications [1][5][8]. By leveraging the biostatic properties of chitosan, the company produces textile finishes and topical gels that are designed to combat pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, while minimizing the use of silver and maintaining safety standards [1][5][8]. This research is supported by NIH NIAID funding and focuses on managing infections, such as those related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis, as well as providing broad-spectrum protection in healthcare and consumer settings [1][5][7].
These products serve a range of stakeholders, from industrial partners in textile manufacturing and sustainable packaging to healthcare providers and individual consumers in need of advanced wound and burn care [1][4][7][8]. The company's technology addresses critical challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, infection control, and the environmental impact of synthetic materials [1][4][8]. Through rigorous independent laboratory testing, their treatments have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pathogen populations and sustaining performance even after multiple commercial wash cycles [1][5]. With a focus on sustainable, naturally derived materials, Chitozan Health aims to provide safer, more effective alternatives for infection mitigation across multiple sectors [1][7].
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