a b s t r a c t
Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were recently investigated for the elaboration of new functional foodpackaging
materials. Their nanoporous network was especially of interest for controlling the release
of active species. Qualitative release studies were conducted, but quantification of the diffusion phenomenon
observed when the active species are released from and through CNF coating has not yet been
studied. Therefore, this work aims to model CNF-coated paper substrates as controlled release system
for food-packaging using release data obtained for two model molecules, namely caffeine and chlorhexidine
digluconate. The applied mathematical model – derived from Fickian diffusion – was validated
for caffeine only. When the active species chemically interacts with the release device, another model
is required as a non-predominantly diffusion-controlled release was observed. From caffeine modeling
data, a theoretical active food-packaging material was designed. The use of CNFs as barrier coating was
proved to be the ideal material configuration that best meets specifications.