Abstract
In the context of emerging global concerns with synthetic plastic packaging, alternative natural biodegradable packaging materials are gaining increasing attention for food packaging applications. In this study, chitosan and gelatin nanocomposite hybrid films containing green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed and microstructural properties were studied. Antimicrobial activity of the developed films was evaluated using both Gram negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Green synthesis protocol was used for the precipitation of ZnO NPs using fruit extract of Cassia fistula. The as-synthesized polyhedral ZnO NPs were in the range of 20–40 nm (average size ≈29 nm). Reinforcement with ZnO NPs in the hybrid films lead to improved thermal stability, elongation-at-break (EAB), and compactness properties. The developed films with 2% and 4% ZnO NPs showed a smooth, compact, and heterogeneous surface morphology compared to the control (chitosan-gelatin hybrid) films. Disc diffusion assays showed that the nanocomposite film had significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The developed hybrid nanocomposite films have potential to be developed as biodegradable alternative for postharvest packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Highlights
Worldwide, fruits and vegetables are gaining consumers’ preferences, as these are healthy and rich in micronutrients
We aimed to develop biodegradable films containing chitosan, gelatin, and green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs at low costs
The crystallinity was determined by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern confirming the presence of polycrystalline ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (Figure 2D)
Summary
Fruits and vegetables are gaining consumers’ preferences, as these are healthy and rich in micronutrients. Microbial growth, and oxidative deterioration are primary causes of loss of freshness, quality, and shelf-life in fresh produce [2]. These necessitate strategies to enhance postharvest life in order to cater to their increasing global demands and longevity of the fresh products. Synthetic or plastic packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the most frequently used postharvest strategies applied to enhance the shelf-life. In the context of growing environmental concerns associated with synthetic plastic packaging, biodegradable alternatives are being sought for packaging of fresh produce. Natural biopolymers such as chitosan, agar, gelatin, zein, and starch are commonly used as alternatives to synthetic plastic packaging of food [3,4,5,6]
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