Predicting Packaging Material–Food Interactions and the Respective Migration and Permeation Based on Hansen Solubility Parameters—A Case Study of Bio-Based Polyester Cutin

One of the current and serious environmental problems is the pollution due to microplastics. There is an urgent need for biodegradable and bio-based materials for numerous applications, including food packaging. In this work we examine the bio-based polyester cutin for its potential to be used as food packaging material, in terms of migration, based on the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP). Cutin is a cross-linked polymer that is swelled by various solvents. We use the degree of swelling of cutin in carefully selected solvents of various polarities in order to estimate the HSP of cutin. Some solvents can induce alteration of the chemical structure of cutin, as proven by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements. This interferes with the process of estimation of the HSP and is discussed in depth. The distance R_a and the Relative Energy Difference (RED) between the HSP of cutin and various food components are calculated and used to predict the existence of favorable interactions between cutin and the food components, which is translated to a high probability for the existence of migration and permeation. Experimental confirmation of one prediction based on HSP is provided by UV-VIS photometry. Similar calculations were performed for other polyesters (poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxy butyrate)). Cutin exhibits compatibility with substances of low polarity, such as fats and lipids and non-polar compounds found in essential oils. Thus, migration into fatty foods is expected as well as sorption and permeation of some (volatile) compounds into cutin. Nevertheless, we conclude that the overall migration risk for cutin is lower than the one of other bio-based polyesters. HSP can be used for initial screening of potential migration risks; however, further research is necessary in order to assess the occurrence, extent, and significance of the actual migration.