Abstract
In recent times, negative influence of petroleum-based packaging materials on environment, sustainability and health has become a serious issue. Therefore, development of biodegradable packaging material for food related applications is rapidly gaining attention. The present study evaluates the influence corn starch nanocrystals (SNCs) (0.5%, 1% and 2%) in conjugation with lemongrass oil nanoemulsion (LNE) (2%) on the functionality of corn starch based film. The develop nanocomposite films were evaluated for their functional, tensile, barrier and functional properties and also characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques. Results revealed an increase in SNCs concentration caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in water barrier properties whereas incorporation of SNCs (≤1%) exhibited homogenous dispersion of nanocrystals into the matrix, improving tensile properties (15.53%). Opacity, color and crystallinity were influenced by the concentration of SNCs. SNCs/LNE loaded films exhibited increased opacity (↑63.1%) and antioxidant activity (↑348.2%). LNE induced small cavities on the film's surface, reducing the tensile strength and increasing elongation at break compared to SNCs loaded films. Antimicrobial activity of SNCs/LNE loaded films against E. coli. (ZOI-7.33 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI-10.59 mm) was higher than SNCs-loaded films. SNCs and LNE, both reduced the degradation rate, yet films were completely degradable in soil, proving their potential utility in the development of functional and biodegradable food packaging.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.