---

In this study an agar/gelatin bilayer film was produced from agar and gelatin monolayers using the casting method in two phases. Then, the characteristics of this bilayer film, including water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility, water absorption, mechanical and optical properties were compared with those of monolayer films. The results showed that  WVP of the bilayer film (3.25×10^-10 g/msPa)  was significantly lower than the agar (3.90 × 10^-10 g/msPa), and gelatin (4/32×10^-10 g/msPa). Absorption of UV light by bilayer film was significantly higher than the single-layer agar and gelatin films. Although the tensile strength of the bilayer film (10.8 MPa) was higher than the single-layer gelatin (2.86 MPa), it was lower than the single layer of agar film (30.49 MPa) (P<0.05). In conclusion, some properties of agar and gelatin films can be improved by making bilayers film of both biopolymers. 

---

 The present study was aimed to investigate the physicomechanical properties of biodegradable ternary films based on chitosan (CH) and starch (ST) at different ratios (100ST/0CH, 75ST/25CH, 50ST/50CH, 25ST/75CH and 0ST/100CH) via a simple casting method.The results showed that adding different ratios of chitosan (25-75%) to the control film (100ST:0CH)significantly reduced the moisture content, and elongation at break (EAB) and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films, as the 75ST:25CH ratio has the lowest values; also, the solubility, tensile strength, contact angle and whiteness index of the films showed a significant increase compared to the control (p <0.05). FT-IR spectra of different films showed interactions through hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl moieties of ST and amino moieties of CH in the blends, which enhanced the compatibility between the two polymers. On the other hand, the indicators related to the DSC test indicated that the thermal stability of composite films reduced after the addition of ST. SEM microstructural observations clearly demonstrated a re-organization of the surface of the two-phase films due to the presence of ST.The obtained results suggested the effectiveness of blending approach in improving the compatibility of polymers and overall functionality of films.

---

Nowadays the use of natural and biodegradable nanofibers in the packaging industry due to the contamination of non-biodegradable polymers in food packaging is dramatically obvious and electrospinning is one of the easiest ways to produce these nanofibers. In this study, the electrospinning of collagen polymer type I (extracted from the rat-tail) with Beta Cyclodextrin and Nanoclay was investigated and Acetic acid was used as a safe solvent in terms of the environment. After designing the experiments using an experimental design software (Design Expert 7.0), the effects of independent variables such as weight-weight ratio of Beta Cyclodextrin to Collagen (X₁), Volume-weight ratio of Nanoclay to Collagen (X₂) and solution feed rate (X₃) was evaluated on dependent variable, including nanofibers diameter (Y₁). Also, electrospinning process was performed with a voltage of 12 Kv and the distance between the needle and the collector 120 mm at ambient temperature and pressure. Nanoclay have been used due to barrier and antimicrobial properties; in addition, Beta cyclodextrin was used for the specificity of the structure that causes hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Furthermore, to investigate the shape of nanofibers Scanning Electron Microscopy, to investigate the structure Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, to investigate existing elements X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy and to determine thermal resistance Differential scanning calorimetry was applied. The results showed that optimal nanofiber with a average size of 123.01 nm and a flawless structure with a viscosity of 145.33 mpa.s was obtained.

---

The aim of this study was optimization and improvement of the physic-chemical characteristics films based on basil seed mucilage (BSM) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (100, 162.5 and 225% w/w the mucilage) using montmorillonite (MMT) (0 and 8% w/w the mucilage) by casting method. The produced films properties were evaluated for thickness, moisture content, density, mechanical properties, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results indicated that thickness and density of the films were not significantly influenced by CMC and MMT addition (p>0.05), but the moisture content of nanocomposites decreased with increasing CMC content (p<0.05). Presence of CMC and MMT in the film matrix caused to enhancement of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation at break (EB) in nanocomposites; the maximum of UTS and EB with the values of 27.9 MPa and 41%, respectively, were obtained for the nanocomposite made by 225% CMC and 8% MMT. FTIR spectra revealed no new compounds resultant from the chemical interactions, and only some shifts were observed for some peaks, and also slightly weakening or intensifying in several peaks. TGA plots showed that incorporation of CMC and MMT led to improvement of thermal properties. In conclusion, simultaneous loading of nanoclay and CMC generated the improved nanocomposites, and the treatment loaded with both MMT and the maximum level of CMC (T7) is advised as the best film for employing in the food packaging.
 

---

Cold plasma is a novel non-thermal technology for the food and packaging industry. In this study, the effects of argon glow discharge plasma on the mechanical properties, surface topography, chemical composition, film hydrophilicity, film solubility, and barrier properties of the starch films were examined. Plasma treatment improved Tensile Strength (TS) of the starch film. In contrast to TS, elongation at the break of the plasma-treated films remained unchanged. The surface roughness of starch film increased after plasma treatment. An apparent increase in the surface hydrophilicity was observed due to formation of oxygen-containing polar groups. FTIR analysis confirmed the increase in the oxygen containing groups in plasma-treated starch film. However, film surface hydrophilicity caused no significant change in the solubility of films. No significant difference was found in the barrier properties of the starch films. The evaluation of films modifications by glow discharge plasma will contribute to in-package decontamination studies of food products by plasma.

---

The escalating incidence of foodborne diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria presents a substantial global health concern. Microbial spoilage of food not only shortens product shelf life but also increases the risk of foodborne diseases. According to the World Health Organization, one in ten people worldwide falls ill after consuming contaminated food. While foodborne diseases are preventable, the implementation of effective strategies to control and prevent these illnesses remains a critical global challenge. The unique properties of both organic and inorganic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in the food industry due to their potential to enhance nutritional, safety, and quality attributes of food products. A majority of foodborne infections are attributed to pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, and Campylobacter. Silver and silver-based compounds have been shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria. The current body of knowledge regarding the application of silver nanoparticles for the elimination of foodborne pathogens is expanding rapidly, providing opportunities to explore their mechanisms of action, benefits, and limitations. This perspective aims to identify novel strategies for reducing the burden of foodborne diseases by critically evaluating the potential of silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the potential health implications of silver nanoparticles for human consumption will be discussed to inform the development of effective policies for public health.
 

---

In this research, biodegradable Chitosan–Nano-Cellulose–Nisin (CH-NC-N) film was synthesized and utilized for antibacterial application in medicine and food packaging. The antibacterial chitosan–nano-cellulose–nisin film was characterized using various techniques such as mechanical and physical properties analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The film^’s ability to inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli XDR, Klebsiella pneumonia XDR, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus was examined. Furthermore, the film was used for meat packaging at a temperature of 4°C for a duration of 26 days. Data analysis revealed an improvement in the mechanical properties and water absorption of the film following the addition of nano-cellulose and nisin. The presence of nisin in the CH-CN film was confirmed through analysis of FTIR, XRD, and SEM data. Antimicrobial analysis of film determined the high potential of nisin as an antimicrobial agent in CH-CN-N film. Compared to the control, the CH-CN-N film successfully inhibited the growth of spoilage bacteria in meat for 26 days. Additionally, the sensory properties of meat packaged with this film were minimally affected. These results indicate that the chitosan-nano-cellulose-nisin film is suitable for utilization in food systems and medical applications.