Optimization of a biodegradable packaging film based on carboxymethyl cellulose and Persian gum containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles and Foeniculum vulgare essential oil using response surface methodology

Abstract

Nowadays, nature-friendly materials have replaced plastics in food packaging. Polymer nanocomposites are the key materials for future advances in active packaging. This study was conducted to optimize a packaging film based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and Persian gum (PG) containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and Foeniculum vulgare essential oil (FEO) using the response surface methodology. The independent variables were TiO2 (0–2%) and FEO (0–2%). The effect of variables on treatments was significant (p < .05). The optimal concentration points for TiO2 and FEO were determined as 0.5% and 2%, respectively. The results showed that the addition of PG, TiO2, and FEO improved the properties of CMC film and reduced the cost of producing biocomposite film. The antibacterial properties of the film were also investigated against a number of organisms. Therefore, the use of this film in smart food packaging is recommended to increase the shelf-life of products. Practical application This study was designed and optimized using a response surface methodology Optimized carbohydrate-based active films showed good physical and mechanical properties Optimized nanocomposite film exhibited significant antimicrobial properties Optimized nanocomposite film can be suggested as an active packaging material