Doctor of Philosophy
National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Republic of China)
Ying-Chen Chen, PhD student in the Department of Biological Technology at National Chung Hsing University, is dedicated to developing innovative, environmentally friendly solutions to address pollution and food safety issues caused by petroleum-based polymers. Her research uses fishery waste and agricultural by-products to create sustainable materials.
In her recent investigation, Ying-Chen has been exploring the potential of chitosan (CTS), a non-toxic and biodegradable biopolymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin found in fishery waste such as shrimp shells. This material boasts essential characteristics, including film formability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Ying-Chen's research specifically looks into the fabrication of intelligent films by incorporating jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) extract (JAE) into CTS films.
The aim of her research is to enhance the properties of chitosan-based films, making them viable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging materials. Her findings reveal that incorporating JAE significantly improves the films' hydrophobicity, UV blocking, mechanical properties, thermal stability, moisture and water barrier, and antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Notably, the CTS-JAE 20% composite film demonstrates a 99.7% disinfection rate against E. coli within 12 hours, showcasing superior antibacterial activity.
Advanced imaging techniques, such as atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, have shown that the addition of JAE increases the surface roughness of the films and causes significant alterations in the morphology of E. coli, leading to the loss of its smooth surface and rod shape. Furthermore, the developed CTS-JAE films have proven effective in improving the quality indices of pork loins during storage, including total viable counts, pH, TVB-N value,.
Ying-Chen's research contributes significantly to the field of bioactive packaging, offering promising alternatives to traditional plastic packaging by effectively detecting food deterioration and extending the shelf life of meat products. Her dedication to developing sustainable and practical solutions underscores her commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative scientific research.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
10:10am – 10:30am ET
