Abstract
Designing bioactive materials, with controlled metal ion release, exerting a significant biological action and associated to low toxicity for humans, is nowadays one of the most important challenges for our community. The most looked-for nanoantimicrobials are capable of releasing metal species with defined kinetic profiles, either by slowing down or inhibiting bacterial growth and pathogenic microorganism diffusion. In this study, laser ablation synthesis in solution (LASiS) has been used to produce bioactive Ag-based nanocolloids, in isopropyl alcohol, which can be used as water-insoluble nano-reservoirs in composite materials like poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). Infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the chemical state of pristine polymer and final composite material, thus providing useful information about synthesis processes, as well as storage and processing conditions. Transmission electron microscopy was exploited to study the morphology of nano-colloids, along with UV-Vis for bulk chemical characterization, highlighting the presence of spheroidal particles with average diameter around 12 nm. Electro-thermal atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to investigate metal ion release from Ag-modified products, showing a maximum release around 60 ppb, which ensures an efficient antimicrobial activity, being much lower than what recommended by health institutions. Analytical spectroscopy results were matched with bioactivity tests carried out on target microorganisms of food spoilage.
Highlights
Due to the overwhelming presence of plastics in the environment, the use of biodegradable polymers is preferred in respect to petroleum-based plastics which are, recyclable, highly polluting and difficult to waste [1]
Food industry is moving fast in this direction; many biodegradable materials are used as food packaging nowadays: cellulose- and hemp-based materials, polylactic acid (PLA), etc. [3]
We propose a biodegradable nanocomposite for active food packaging applications, based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with PHBV
Summary
Due to the overwhelming presence of plastics in the environment, the use of biodegradable polymers is preferred in respect to petroleum-based plastics which are, recyclable, highly polluting and difficult to waste [1] In this panorama, the research is focused towards the use of low-cost, ecofriendly materials which are able to still ensure rheological and mechanical properties compatible with those of common plastics [2]. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a group of polyesters synthesized by more than 300 species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Thanks to their thermoplastic properties similar to those of common polyolefins, PHAs are good candidates to substitute petroleum plastics [4]. Food technology research has posed great interest in the use of a specific PHA: poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV); it possesses high biocompatibility with slow hydrolytic degradation, and this makes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
