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Simplicity and Efficiency: RUDN University Chemists Discover New Unique Approach to Creating Smart Packaging

Simplicity and Efficiency: RUDN University Chemists Discover New Unique Approach to Creating Smart Packaging

RUDN University chemists have discovered a unique method for making plastic film based on natural polysaccharides. It simultaneously has antioxidant, antimicrobial and barrier properties, and protects the content against ultraviolet exposure. Using the film to package and coat food products will considerably extend their shelf life.

The history of production of polymer coatings with protection properties is not new. However, the methods are being improved, thereby enhancing fundamental science. RUDN University chemists developed nanoparticles where the following four properties are combined not separately but altogether: the first one is traditional – barrier property, and the rest are so called active properties: antioxidant, antimicrobial properties and the ones which protect the product against ultraviolet exposure.

The basis for polymer coatings is bilayer. The unique combination and proportions of polymer components make it possible to obtain films with the following properties:

  • low permeability to water vapour and oxygen,
  • enhanced mechanic properties: high-tensile strength,
  • active properties, i.e. apparent antibacterial and fungicidal effects.

Traditional packaging has only barrier properties. It includes the packaging we are used to seeing every day: plastic, vacuum one. Imagine that you buy a carton of milk or a pack of sausages – they will be in so called traditional packaging.

If the packaging has antibacterial properties, protects against ultraviolet exposure, or has any other properties – it is called active. A whole range of chemical “introductions” are carried out to make each of its variations. For example, it makes sense to introduce antioxidants into the packaging if it has antibacterial properties.

The packaging is not only barrier and active but also smart. This means that it can respond to changes in the environment, for example, to the increase in humidity and temperature which is not acceptable for the film-wrapped product. The wrapping will change colour in such cases.

The discovered method for combining has many useful properties altogether: antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial, as well as smart properties. The same nanoparticles are responsible for all these properties. It is the method that is unique. Moreover, the obtained films are biocompatible, biodegradable. They are absolutely non-toxic. Such films are in line with the global trend of going green – this is real green chemistry, i.e. which is environmentally friendly.

The method is environmentally friendly, safe, simple and cost-efficient. It is the first time the most important useful properties for extending the shelf life of products have been combined. The invented compound can be used as the film in which the product will be wrapped: this will not involve its quality changes. Moreover, the immersion method seems promising: as the material is completely safe, the products can be immersed into it, thereby creating a protective film.

Scientific Conferences View all
12 Dec 2024
About 200 participants from Russia and 20 countries met at the National Interdisciplinary Scientific Seminar with International Participation “Law in Medicine. Medicine in Law: Points of Contact”. The subject was “Happy Motherhood: unsolved problems of obstetrics, gynaecology and perinatology”.
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Main Publications View all
15 Nov 2017
RUDN University scientists publish results of their scientific researches in highly-recognized in whole world and indexed in international databases journals (Web of Science, Scopus ect.). That, of course, corresponds to the high status of the University and its international recognition. Publications of June-September 2017 ( In Journals of categories Q1-Q3)
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A volunteer of the Red Army and head of the veterinary medicine course — Matilda Mityaeva's combat and scientific path

Matilda Pavlovna Mityaeva was born in 1925. In November 1942, she volunteered for frontline duty. She participated in the Great Patriotic War from November 1942 to June 1945 as part of the 53rd Infantry Division of the 475th Infantry Regiment. She was wounded twice.

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20 Apr
RUDN University Team – the 1st place in the all-russian competitive selection of scientific projects “Technologies for human health”

The team led by Sergey Zyryanov, Head of the Department of General and Clinical Pharmacology, became the winner of the All-Russian competition of scientific projects "Technologies for Human Health".

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20 Apr
RUDN University Scientific Agenda to 2030: New Programme for R&D and Innovation Activities Development

RUDN University constantly adapts to the changes of the modern world and responds to challenges flexibly. This allows us to keep the standard of a world-class research university. The sphere of science is no exception. Peter Dokukin, Head of the Research Division, presented the updated R&D Programme at the meeting of the RUDN University Academic Council.

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