Development of Chitosan-Copovidone nanocomposite films with antioxidant and antibacterial properties for food packaging applications

Abstract

In this study, green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) functionalized Chitosan/ Copovidone nanocomposite films were prepared by solvent casting method using glycerol as plasticizer. The AgNPs were synthesized by in-situ reduction with the aid of Syzygium cumini (SC) leaf extract, as a reducing agent of the precursor AgNO3. The main focus of this study was to examine the consequences of varying concentrations of AgNPs on the polymer blend matrix. The nanocomposite films obtained exhibited obstruction to UV light, with good transparency. The UV blocking effect of AgNPs was also computed. The developed nanocomposite films were subjected to various studies such as XRD, FTIR, Mechanical testing, SEM, hydration properties and biological activities. The outcomes indicated that the films were semi-crystalline in nature and there was effective interaction between the film components. Mechanical strength was found to improve with increasing concentration of AgNPs and the morphological images showed absence of cracks and pores. The fabricated nanocomposite films were hydrophobic in nature with lower solubility in water. They also possessed good antibacterial activity against food pathogens such as E. coli and S. aureus. The developed nanocomposite films have also exhibited retarding oxidation potential that could make it a prospective material for packaging applications especially with respect to food.