Description:
Active
packaging systems are desirable for specialized applications in the packaging of
foods, chemicals, and medicines. Active packaging refers to the way materials
embedded in the packaging membrane interact with the product to improve its
shelf life, quality, and safety. Materials such as zeolite, alumina, and silica
have been previously added to polymeric membranes to enhance performance
properties for these active packaging applications. To further advance
capabilities and to move beyond the limitations of those materials, Metallic
Organic Framework (MOFs) materials have been formulated with polymers for
packaging applications. These compounds, which are crystalline structures with
metal ions complexed with organic molecules, have significantly more surface
area than the former materials and significantly enhance several performance
capabilities for active packaging.
Michigan
State University’s invention provides polymer-based, multifunctional membranes
containing performance enhancing Metallic Organic Frameworks (MOF) materials.
The polymer/MOF complexes confer improved absorbance, elongation at break, and
toughness upon the membrane structures for active packaging applications.
Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) has been used as a model to demonstrate proof of
concept, but other polymers commonly used for packaging applications can be
employed.
Benefits
* Significantly increased performance
capabilities: In comparison to materials like alumina and zeolite, MOFs
provide more surface area, which significantly increases absorbance of gases and
volatile organic compounds. Additionally, experimental data show improved
toughness and elongation at break.
* Formulation versatility: The process
enables the use of a wide range of polymers that are currently used for
packaging applications.
* Enables bio-based (PLA) membrane structures
with improved performance characteristics: The PLA/MOF membranes
exhibited twice the absorbance of “neat” PLA, which could increase the use of
PLA for applications where high performance is needed.
Applications
*
Membranes derived from this invention are ideal for applications where the
absorbance of gases and VOCs are beneficial for extending the shelf life and
quality foods, chemicals, and medicines.
* Useful
in active packaging applications for foods, chemicals, and medicines.
* The
invention can be used for bioremediation applications.
IP Protection
Status
Patent
pending
