Hydrophobic ode-functionalized nanocellulose coatings for moisture barrier food packaging
Novel 2,7-octadienyl ether (ODE) surface-functionalized nanocelluloses combine the low oxygen permeability of nanocellulose with the low water vapor permeability of polyolefins. These hydrophobic, polymer-compatible materials form thin coatings ideal for moisture barrier food packaging applications.
Overview
This technology features novel 2,7-octadienyl ether (ODE) surface-functionalized nanocelluloses designed to serve as high-performance moisture barrier coatings for food packaging. The innovation combines two complementary barrier properties: the well-established low oxygen permeability of nanocellulose materials and the low water vapor permeability characteristic of polyolefins. By uniting these attributes in a single nanoscale material, the technology addresses a critical need in sustainable food packaging where conventional petroleum-based multilayer films are difficult to recycle.
The ODE-functionalized nanocelluloses are highly crystalline, surface-hydrophobic, and compatible with organic polymers, making them suitable for integration into existing packaging manufacturing processes. Their tunable scales, ranging from macro-fibers to micro-fibrils (MFs) and nanofibrils (NFs), allow flexible assembly into thin films or coatings tailored to specific packaging requirements.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Surface hydrophobicity: ODE-functionalized nanocelluloses exhibit water contact angles (WCAs) in the range of 79 to 87 degrees, confirming their hydrophobic character
- Strong substrate adhesion: Organic ODE-nanocellulose suspensions form strongly adhered thin coatings when deposited and dried on hydrophilic mica, aluminum foil, and porous absorbent cellulose paper
- Tunable scale hierarchy: Materials are available in three scale levels, macro-fibers, micro-fibrils, and nanofibrils, enabling optimization for different coating thicknesses and barrier requirements
- Polymer compatibility: The ODE surface chemistry makes these nanocelluloses compatible with organic polymers, facilitating integration with biopolymers such as PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates)
- Processing versatility: Suitable for coating deposition or co-extrusion processing methods
Technology readiness level
The technology has undergone initial laboratory validation, with demonstrated hydrophobic surface properties and coating adhesion on multiple substrate types. Water contact angle measurements on mica, aluminum foil, and cellulose paper substrates have confirmed consistent hydrophobicity across surfaces.
Future research will focus on tuning the relative extent of surface ODE functionalization, identifying the optimal scale level within the ODE family for specific applications, and developing processing methods to couple these nanocelluloses with PLA and PHA biopolymers. Critical remaining work includes achieving the specific barrier properties, mechanical performance, and physical characteristics required for commercial moisture barrier food packaging applications.
About University of California, Davis
UC Davis is a comprehensive public research university in Northern California, combining a land-grant heritage with an integrated academic health system and a veterinary teaching hospital. Industry engages through co-located clinical and translational facilities in Sacramento, a campus-adjacent research park, pilot-scale food and bioprocessing facilities, and a statewide extension network for field-to-market deployment. Proximity to the Bay Area and California's Central Valley enables rapid collaboration with startups and established enterprises, while corporate relations staff streamline access to faculty, talent, and core labs. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support programs provide IP management, licensing, and startup formation pathways for industry partnerships.
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