AgNP–Zeolite integrated into cellulose nanofibers for enhanced ethylene scavenging performance

Postharvest accumulation of ethylene accelerates ripening and senescence, significantly reducing the shelf-life. This work developed a multifunctional ethylene-scavenging system utilizing silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)-functionalized TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TCNFs) combined with varying the...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sam, Samanta, Aguado, Roberto J., Fiol Santaló, Núria, Saguer Hom, Elena, Bastida, Gabriela A., Delgado Aguilar, Marc, Tarrés Farrés, Joaquim Agustí
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:10256/28341
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10256/28341
https://hdl.handle.net/10256/28341
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Zeolites
Nanopartícules
Nanoparticles
Fibres de cel·lulosa
Cellulose fibers
Envasos de paper
Paper containers
Aliments -- Envasament
Food -- Packaging
Descripción
Sumario:Postharvest accumulation of ethylene accelerates ripening and senescence, significantly reducing the shelf-life. This work developed a multifunctional ethylene-scavenging system utilizing silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)-functionalized TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TCNFs) combined with varying the zeolite loadings. A dual-side coating strategy was employed: one side of the paper substrate was coated with one to three layers of alginate to enhance barrier performance, while the opposite side was coated with Ag NP-functionalized TCNFs containing 1–20% zeolite to provide ethylene scavenging and antibacterial properties. In-situ incorporation of Ag NPs into TCNF matrix improved suspension stability, reflected by an increase in ζ-potential to −31.3 ± 0.46 mV. Morphology and distribution of nanoparticles were analyzed using STEM and TEM techniques. SPR band at 424.13 nm and XRD reflections characteristics of face-centered cubic silver confirmed the formation of metallic Ag0. FTIR analysis confirmed the incorporation of zeolite into the Ag NP–TCNF network. The paper coated with 20% zeolite in the Ag NP–functionalized TCNFs exhibited the highest ethylene scavenging capacity, removing 0.8 ± 0.06 μL of ethylene (at 60 bar) per gram of coated paper, equivalent to 13.13 μL per gram of zeolite, corresponding to 50.05 μL/L ethylene elimination. The coated papers displayed significant improvements in barrier performance: grease resistance increased from a kit value of 1 (uncoated) to 12, the water vapor transmission rate decreased from ⁓1400 to 350 g·m−2·day−1, and air resistance rose from 28 to ⁓1800 Gurley seconds. They exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity of ⁓ 99% against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli