UV-activated self-healing food packaging: ω-3 based microcapsules in hemicellulose/chitosan blend film for cashew nut preservation

Packaging materials for food often deteriorate when transported, handled, and stored for an extended time. This compromises their integrity and poses a challenge to the preservation of food. However, the development of self-healing food packaging materials offers a promising alternative. These materials can repair damage autonomously, thereby ensuring food safety and nutrient retention. This paper investigated a UV-triggered self-healing film containing Omega-3 microcapsules and a Chitosan-Hemicellulose blend as a matrix. The hemicellulose, which normally blocks UV light, is extracted from argan nutshells and blended with chitosan to finally cast and form a film with UV-triggered intelligent microcapsules. The structural, thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties and the self-healing ability of films were examined. An FTIR, TGA, and SEM analysis confirmed the successful microencapsulation of Omega-3 with an average size of 35 μm and its incorporation into the matrix of the film. Furthermore, SEM analysis confirmed the film's ability to self-heal. Based on that, the film was used to manufacture a plastic zipper bag to package the cashew nuts. As a result of the packaging test, the cashews' shelf life is extended, and their quality is preserved.