Hybrid bio-nano paper coatings with enhanced antibacterial activity via tea tree oil and TiO2nanoparticles
Nordic Pulp and Paper Research Journal, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1515/npprj-2026-0019
- Dergi Adı: Nordic Pulp and Paper Research Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: active packaging, antibacterial, biocoating, printability, tea tree oil
- Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Decreasing resources and increasing demand have made food safety a necessity. Antibacterial packaging aims to ensure food safety and extend food shelf life by reducing biological contamination. The use of naturally sourced and recyclable products is becoming increasingly common. In this sense, paper remains the most important candidate material. By functionalizing paper according to desired properties, functionalized, sustainable active packaging materials are being developed. In this study, coated papers suitable for use as active packaging were produced using titanium dioxide (TiO2) and tea tree oil. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) was used as the polymer to ensure the homogeneous distribution and effective adhesion of the antibacterial agents to the paper surface. The study was evaluated based on four different coating formulations. In the first stage of the study, the reference paper was coated only with HEC (F0). In addition, HEC (F2) containing titanium dioxide, HEC (F1) containing tea tree oil, and HEC (F3) containing both titanium dioxide and tea tree oil were coated onto the paper surface under laboratory conditions and dried under standard conditions. The surface properties of the resulting coated papers were examined in terms of color, gloss, contact angle, and surface free energy. Antibacterial properties were determined by assessing their inhibitory activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Consequently, it was determined that the F3 formulation, in which both antibacterial agents are used together, synergistically enhances the antibacterial effect while improving surface properties. It was concluded that the produced coated papers have high potential for antibacterial, recyclable paper-based active packaging.