| abstract |
The present invention is in the field of aqueous emulsions that dry into water-insoluble or water-resistant structures that are useful for active packaging, manufactured devices and components, and other applications. The aqueous emulsions of the present invention comprise biopolymers, metal in the form of a salt, nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles, essential oil, and additives such as surfactants and plasticizers. When the components of the emulsion are mixed following the distinctive method of preparation, a water-soluble fluid is obtained, which, upon drying, becomes a water-insoluble or water-resistant solid exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidative, and other useful properties including tensile strength, elasticity, transparency. The obtained fluid may be applied by spraying, pouring, injecting, 3-D printing, or otherwise formed into a solid product of any geometrical shape including film, foil, or other 3-D shape. |