Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India has sanctioned a project worth Rs 78 lakhs to GADVASU for the development of nano-composite bioactive biodegradable films for the preservation of milk, meat and fish products. This project is sanctioned for 3 years and in this project, the films with the attributes of biocompatibility, sealability, free from any odour, barrier properties against oxygen and physical stress and with strong tensile strength will be developed. Dr. M K Chatli Head of Livestock Products Technology Department said that packaging is the most important component for dispensing, safety and marketing of the food products. The routine use of plastic films lead to heaps of garbage, which gives a lot of stress on the environment and produces toxic fumes on burning. An estimate revealed that about 250MT of plastics are being produced all over the world and its consumption is increasing day by day. In developed nations, more than 100 kg plastic is consumed per capita annually, whereas in India this figure is around 27 kg/person/annum. In addition, the animal industry is also producing more than 7 MT of waste/annum. Hence, the development of biodegradable packaging materials from animal industry byproducts will have dual impact and provide sustainable solution to this problem.
The scientists of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University has developed biodegradable/edible films from byproducts of the plant and animal industry such as chitosan, whey protein concentrates, soy proteins, various types of starches and composite materials etc. These biodegradable films were developed from edible material so have edibility and also act as a carrier of preservatives and nutritive substances. However, earlier developed films were lacking thermal stability to be mould into various forms and shape, further these films lack sufficient strength to carry weight more than 10 kg. In this project the bioactivity of the films will be improved with the infusion of various natural preservatives such as bacteriocins, bacteriophages, bioactive peptides, phytoextracts etc.
Dr S.N.S. Randhawa, former Director Research, GADVASU has emphasised that the applied research is need of the hour and this type of work will not only help to save the food wastage due to perishability but also help in the environment safety. Dr A. S .Nanda Vice Chancellor, congratulated the scientists and applauded their efforts for the innovative research. He told the reporters that the outcome of this project will help in waste utilization and employment generation.
