Anticounterfeiting Inspired by Duck Feathers

Researchers in China have developed a non-petroleum film for packaging applications that can extend the shelf life of foods, show when spoilage has occurred, and has fluorescent properties that could be used as an anticounterfeit feature.

The team describes in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules how they were inspired by the superhydrophobic properties of duck feathers to develop the ‘C-CGR’ film, which is made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and gelatin.

It includes an antioxidant substance in the film matrix – a naturally-occurring, plant-derived polyphenol called resveratrol – which helps to shield food products from ultraviolet light and changes in pH, and discourages microbial growth. Moreover, it is entirely biodegradable, breaking down in soil in a short time with no harmful impact on the environment.

The result is a packaging film that can extend the shelf life of beef by around two days compared to regular polyethylene (PE) film, and also changes colour when food starts to go off so spoilage can be monitored.