Ameliorating characteristics of magnetically sensitive TPU nanofibers-based food packaging film for long-life cheese preservation

Abstract

The current study presents magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) dispersed polyurethane (PU) nanofiber nanocoating with exceptional magnetic, thermal, hydrophobicity, and textural properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to clarify the Fe3O4 MNPs synthesis, which had previously been accomplished using a single-step green method using molasses as a biowaste. The MNPs particles were then encapsulated in PU nanofibers with varying concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%. SEM revealed a homogenous, smooth, and consistent fiber morphology with a diameter of 173.61 (size, nm), and the diameter rises with the addition of MNPs. With statistical significance (P < 0.05), PU/MNPs nanofiber showed intense antibacterial activity against different microbes. Notably, PU/0.5 wt% MNPs exhibit advantages as antimicrobial packaging materials by maintaining the quality and freshness of the Karish cheese and extending its shelf life to 40 days while also boosting its gumminess (5.9, N), hardness (7.93, N), cohesiveness (0.6), and adhesiveness (1.14, mg). Iron content is quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine whether the developed materials are safe for food. These findings showed that PU/MNPs could be a valid alternative for controlling Karish cheese storage. Further research into the effectiveness of this method with various smear cheeses is possible.