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ECE Seminar: Oluwatosin Popoola 2/14

By Jake Newman / February 13, 2024

Poster. Electrical and Computer Engineering Seminar

3D-Printable Hydrogel-based Nanocomposites for Sustainable Food Packaging

Oluwatosin Popoola

PhD Candidate

Clarkson University

Objective: The objective of this study is to showcase the development and production processes involved in creating active and intelligent food packaging. This packaging has the capability to extend the shelf-life of packaged foods and effectively convey their freshness, thereby serving as a strategy to mitigate food wastage.

Abstract: Yearly, about one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted due to spoilage. Food contamination and spoilage, as well as the use and disposal of non-degradable packaging, affect human health and have substantial economic and sustainability implications. Achieving sustainability within the food system requires innovative solutions to both extend the food shelf life and reduce the environmental footprint. This presentation will describe the development of a 3D-printed ink, the printing process, and the functional properties of the resulting film as a potential substitute for food packaging. The ink was prepared from edible biopolymer hydrogels such as alginate and gelatin and formulated to provide antimicrobial action against food-spoilage bacteria. The film was reinforced with nanocellulose, a green and sustainable nanofiller, which enhances the overall mechanical performance of the hydrogel. The characterization of the resulting 3D-printed film reveals excellent durability, flexibility, and robustness. The formulation is also compatible with pH dyes and biomolecules, which provides opportunities for adding sensing functions with capabilities to visually assess spoilage when this occurs. The material formulations developed in this work are biodegradable, eco-friendly, easily sourced, and inexpensive, making them suitable candidates for next-generation sustainable food packaging.

Bio: Oluwatosin is a dedicated PhD candidate and research assistant at the esteemed Andreescu lab at Clarkson University. His academic pursuits center around the development, characterization, and analysis of biodegradable materials tailored for applications in both food packaging and wearable sensors. Graduating with distinction, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Nigeria in 2017. Throughout his academic journey, Oluwatosin has garnered recognition for his outstanding research contributions. His innovative works have been honored with multiple prestigious awards from the American Chemical Society and the Green Chemistry Institute, highlighting his commitment to excellence in scientific inquiry.

One of Oluwatosin's recent projects gained significant attention when it was featured in a television news publication. This project, undertaken alongside his talented team, secured a coveted research grant sponsored by the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I). Through his collaborative efforts and dedication to advancing sustainable solutions, Oluwatosin continues to make impactful strides in the field of materials science and environmental innovation.

Wednesday, Feb 14th, 2024, 4 pm, CAMP 17

ZOOM Link: https://clarkson.zoom.us/j/95106031702?pwd=NnRNNU5yU2k3WVRTSWdjSTlrUnlaUT09

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