Preparation and characterization of antibacterial biopolymers reinforced with nanocellulose, obtained from endemic plants of Peru, to be used as food packaging

In recent years, various research groups worldwide have devoted themselves to evaluating alternatives for the production of biopolymers since the accumulation of single-use plastics is negatively impacting the environment environment. On the other hand, one of the challenges of food producing companies is to extend the shelf life of shelf, since these can suffer alterations in pH, moisture content and even in their nutritional content over time. In addition, with the emergence of COVID-19, various initiatives are being carried out by companies producing and distributing fresh food to give extra protection to products that are exposed to contamination in supermarket pantries, at all scales. On the other hand, in research Previous studies carried out with Ichu at the University of Engineering and Technology, it was determined that this plant has around 70% of cellulose compounds, values equivalent and / or higher than those presented by other resources used to produce nanocellulose (NC) such as bagasse of cane, rice straw, eucalyptus and sisal.

The proyect is intended to give an added value to fibers such as Ichu since it is currently not being used and, at the same time, present a novel material that could be used in replacement of conventional plastics, which bring serious environmental problems.

Since Ichu is an endemic and low-cost plant, its potential for obtaining NC is very high; However, the lack of in-depth research carried out with this plant, for this application, prompts us to develop this project, which seeks to find a methodology for the manufacture of biopolymers based on Peruvian natural sources that have good physical and chemical properties, mechanical and antibacterial, with which it is intended to give an added value to fibers such as Ichu since it is currently not being used and, at the same time, present a novel material that could be used in replacement of conventional plastics, which bring serious environmental problems. On the other hand, with this project, the residents of high Andean areas could also benefit by being part of the supply chain.