Alternative packaging: transparent and biodegradable films that give shape to water

A group of researchers from the Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (CNR-ISASI), the Institute for Composite Polymers and Biomaterials (CNR-IPCB) and the Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare of the Italian Technology Institute in Naples (CABHC-IIT) has developed a process for creating a very thin film capable of enclosing and sealing volumes of water or water-based gelatinous materials.

The aim of the project is to create a natural form of packaging capable of controlling the “shape of water”.

The process occurs instantaneously and completely spontaneously when a small droplet of polymer solution is placed in contact with the surface of the liquid, allowing for custom packaging solutions regardless of the shape assumed by the liquid.

The packaging process is suitable for drops resting on a surface or hanging from an orifice and for liquid films deposited inside a container.

The system can also be used for completely enclosing volumes of gel or other highly hydrated materials such as biological tissues of any shape such as spheres, cubes, prostheses and complex organs for transport, preservation and protection from external agents.

By controlling the quantity of film used it is also possible to control the thickness of the resultant coating and alter its properties (transparency, permeability to gases, mechanical properties) according to the final application.

The researchers believe that the revolutionary discovery has potential for application in the agri-food, pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors.