Abstract
In this current work, antimicrobial films based on starch, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and a commercially available AgNPs@SiO2 antibacterial composite particle product were produced by using a melt blending and blowing technique. The effects of AgNPs@SiO2 at various loadings (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%) on the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activities of starch/PBAT composite films were investigated. AgNPs@SiO2 particles were more compatible with starch than PBAT, resulting in preferential distribution of AgNPs@SiO2 in the starch phase. Infusion of starch/PBAT composite films with AgNPs@SiO2 marginally improved mechanical and water vapor barrier properties, while surface hydrophobicity increased as compared with films without AgNPs@SiO2. The composite films displayed superior antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The sample loaded with 1 wt% AgNPs@SiO2 (SPA-1) showed nearly 90% inhibition efficiency on the tested microorganisms. Furthermore, a preliminary study on peach and nectarine at 53% RH and 24 °C revealed that SPA-1 film inhibited microbial spoilage and extended the product shelf life as compared with SPA-0 and commercial LDPE packaging materials. The high-throughput production method and strong antibacterial activities of the starch/PBAT/AgNPs@SiO2 composite films make them promising as antimicrobial packaging materials for commercial application.
Highlights
Packaging plays an important role in controlling food spoilage during distribution and extending product shelf life [1]
We previously reported a study on the production of extrusion-blown biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/starch blend films with material properties that were promising for food packaging [26]
The poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (PBAT) appeared as the continuous phase while the dispersed starch-rich phase appeared as bright regions (Figure 2(A1 –E1 ))
Summary
Packaging plays an important role in controlling food spoilage during distribution and extending product shelf life [1]. Advances in materials science and consumer concerns on food additives have spurred the development of novel active packaging materials. Nanotechnology provides a useful platform for the development of novel antibacterial materials by changing their physical and chemical characteristics [2,3]. Metals or metal oxides are antimicrobial agents that are promising for antibacterial packaging applications. Silver is a strong biocide that acts strongly against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. Silver containers were used to delay the spoilage of food more than 1000 years ago, before the advent of modern preservation technologies
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