Flower extract-mediated green synthesis of bimetallic Cu[sbnd]Zn oxide nanoparticles and its antimicrobial efficacy in hydrocolloid films

Abstract

Fruit packaging materials is highly essential in order to maintain freshness and safety from foodborne bacterial infections. Natural hydrocolloids are commonly used as fruit packaging materials to ensure safety and to reduce environmental pollution. However, their poor antibacterial efficacy is significant limitation in fruit packaging application. In the present work, bimetallic (Cu/Zn) nanoparticles (BM-Cu/Zn-NPs) were prepared using aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers along with thermal treatment. The surface morphological and chemical properties of the synthesized BM-Cu/Zn-NPs were examined by use of various specific characterization techniques. Furthermore, synthesized BM-Cu/Zn-NPs were incorporated into the hydrocolloids (chitosan (1.5 wt%) and pectin (0.5 wt%)) for the development of nanocomposites hybrid films with antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial efficacy of the developed hydrocolloid films was evaluated via disc diffusion approach. The results of present study indicated that the BM-Cu/Zn-NPs containing hydrocolloid film could be a promising packaging material for fruit safety.