SUSNAMU · Sustainable Nanocellulose and Amyloid-Based Materials for Biodegradable Packaging and Smart Agricultural Applications

Nanocellulose and beta-amyloids proteins derived from waste byproducts, such as banana pseudostems, palm oil empty fruit bunches, discarded milk, and tofu production residues, will be used to fabricate films as alternatives to conventional plastics. These films will be produced using casting and electrospinning techniques, combined with other natural biopolymers, including lignin, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and bioadditives. Films will be surface engineered with the spray layer by layer technique for the precise control of their surface properties.The films will serve applications in both food packaging and agriculture. For agricultural use, mulch and greenhouse cover films will be designed to exhibit selective gas transport, controlled sunlight transparency, and limited water permeability. Additionally, they will be engineered to release carbon dots infused with nutrients and pesticides into the soil, aiming to improve crop yields and reduce weed colonization. In food packaging, advanced bioelectronics will be integrated to detect pH changes indicative of food spoilage. The inclusion of anthocyanins and photosensitizers will impart antibacterial properties to the films. Smart strategies will be employed to extend the shelf life of packaged food. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) will be utilized to optimize material properties for enhanced performance.The films will be scaled up in a pilot plant and tested in agricultural fields and packaging applications. To achieve the ambitious goals of SUSNAMU—replacing fossil-based plastics in packaging and agriculture while mitigating global microplastic contamination—a diverse global consortium has been assembled. This consortium spans Europe (Germany, Croatia, Spain, Italy, UK), Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia), and Africa (Senegal), bringing together complementary expertise from academic, industrial institutions, necessary for the successful development and implementation of the project's goals.