Addition Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in In Vitro Culture and Bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis in Ex Vitro Conditions on the Growth and Development of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.)

The blackberry, valued for its delicious fruit, has gained attention for its medicinal bioactive compounds. In vitro cultivation methods, including nanoparticle enhancement, are increasingly chosen due to their advantages over traditional propagation techniques. We tested the effect of commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the growth and development of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) of the Navaho variety in an in vitro culture on MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg dm−3 BA, 0.1 mg dm−3 IBA, 0.01 mg dm−3 GA3, and various concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles: 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg dm−3. The morphological features of the plantlets were assessed two and three months after the start of the culture. Selected biological characteristics of the plantlets were determined. The values of the morphological and biological parameters assessed in the plantlets from in vitro culture depended on the concentration of ZnONPs in the medium. Increasing the concentration of ZnONPs negatively affected the number and length of shoots and roots and the fresh weight of the plantlets. The total phenolic content in the plantlets from the treatments with ZnONPs was lower than in the control plants, but the total antioxidant capacity as measured by the ABTS method was higher. The content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the blackberry plantlets decreased at higher concentrations of ZnONPs in the medium. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the zinc content and reduced the iron content in the blackberry plantlets. Concentrations of 10–30 mg dm−3 ZnONPs increased the concentrations of potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and copper, while at the highest concentration of 40 mg dm−3 ZnONPs, the concentrations of these minerals were similar to the control, except for a lower content of calcium and manganese. The plantlets from the in vitro culture growing in the presence of ZnONPs were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions in control soil and soil inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacteria added to the ex vitro substrate favourably influenced the growth and development of the shoots and roots of the blackberry plants and their fresh weight.

Cellulose Extraction From Green Algae, Ulva Ohnoi, and Its Application to PVA‐Based Antibacterial Composite Films Incorporated With Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

ABSTRACTCellulose was successfully extracted from green algae (Ulva ohnoi) by chemical treatments. The contents of holocellulose and α‐cellulose significantly increased from 37.6% and 3.3% to 82.5% and 63.3%, respectively, after whole extraction treatments. The extracted cellulose (EC) was mixed to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to prepare EC/PVA composite films with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or glycerol (GLY) as a plasticizer. The EC/3%PVA composite film showed the highest tensile strength of 54.42 MPa because of the high PVA content. Adding GLY steeply increased the elongation of the EC/3%PVA film from 3.12% to 126.76%, but adding PEG slightly decreased to 2.63%. The EC/1%PVA/PEG composite film showed the highest visible light transmittance of 84.47%, while the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) significantly improved UV‐blocking properties. In addition, the incorporation of ZnO‐NPs on the EC/PVA‐based composite films showed excellent antibacterial activity against six Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.

The kinetics of goat sperm is negatively affected after freezing in an extender including zinc oxide nanoparticles

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology can benefit livestock industries, especially through postharvest semen manipulation. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (Np-ZnO) are potentially an example. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles (Np-ZnO) affected the characteristics of postthawed goat semen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seminal pools from four Saanen bucks were used. Semen was diluted in Tris-egg yolk extender, supplemented with Np-ZnO (0, 50, 100 or 200 μg/mL), frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen (−196°C), and thawed in a water bath (37°C/30s). Semen samples were evaluated for sperm kinetics by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and assessed for other functional properties by epifluorescence microscopy, such as plasma membrane integrity (PMi), acrosomal membrane integrity (ACi) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RESULTS: For total motility (TM), the group treated with 200 μg/mL Np-ZnO was superior to the control. In straight-line velocity (VSL), the control was better than the group containing 200 μg/mL of Np-ZnO. For average path velocity (VAP), the control was higher than with 100 μg/mL Np-ZnO. For linearity (LIN), the control was higher than with 200 μg/mL Np-ZnO. In straightness (STR), the control and 100 μg/mL Np-ZnO were higher than with 200 μg/mL Np-ZnO. In wobble (WOB), the control was better than the 50 μg/mL Np-ZnO treatment. In PMi, ACi and MMP no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: The addition of Np-ZnO (200 μg/mL) to the goat semen freezing extender improved the total motility of cells, whilst negatively affecting sperm kinetics.

Use of carboxymethyl cellulose, Klucel G, gum Arabic and zinc oxide nanoparticles nanocomposite as strength agents for inked papyrus

Purpose The purpose of this study is to detect the effect of some natural cellulosic polymers in their nano forms with the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on restoring the lost mechanical strength of degraded papyrus without any harmful effects on the inks. Design/methodology/approach In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging. Findings In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging. Originality/value The effect of strengthening materials was studied on cellulose and carbon ink, which makes this study closer to reality as the manuscript is the consistent structure of cellulose and inks, whereas most of the literature stated the impact of consolidation materials on the strengthening the cellulosic supports without attention to their impact on inks.

Effects of ZnO/trimethylsilyl cellulose nano-composite coating on anti-UV and anti-fungal properties of papers

Trimethylsilyl cellulose (TMSC) was employed as the coating matrix for the application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) onto paper surfaces and the protections of ZnO/TMSC coating against UV-induced damages and fungal spoilage were evaluated. Filter papers were immersed in 2% w/v TMSC solution loaded with ZnO and air-dried. Three ZnO/TMSC suspensions were prepared with 0.1, 0.5, and 1% w/v ZnO NPs. The presences of ZnO/TMSC protective layers were confirmed with ATR-IR spectroscopy. The coated papers exhibited high surface hydrophobicities. After the coated papers were subject to 365-nm UV irradiation at 400 W for 3 h, the contact angles dramatically dropped. The trimethylsilyl (TMS) groups exposed on the surface formed a moisture barrier and were partially removed on UV exposure. ATR-IR revealed that more TMS groups were removed in the protective layer with no ZnO. UV-irradiated papers turned yellow and papers protected with 1% ZnO/TMSC exhibited significantly lower color changes than that of the uncoated one. Compared to the TMSC-coated paper, the addition of ZnO resulted in a significant reduction in tensile strength at maximum. However, after UV irradiation, significant increases in both the strain at break and strength at maximum were only observed in 1% ZnO/TMSC-protected papers. Regarding their anti-fungal properties, the 1% ZnO/TMSC films were effective in growth inhibitions of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. on the nonirradiated papers. Despite being hydrophilic after UV-irradiation, growths of the molds were severely suppressed on the UV-irradiated paper.

Reversible thermo-chromic polyvinilidyn floride/polydiacetylene/zinc oxide composite nanofibers

In this study, by combining the polymers of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and 10,12-pentacosadinoic acid and adding the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to their solution, three component composite nanofibers were electrospun and their thermo-chromic reversibility were investigated. Different amounts of ZnO nanoparticles based on the weight of PVDF were added to the mixture of PVDF/PDA (polydiacetylene) polymers and composite nanofibers were produced by electrospinning method. Adding ZnO to the electrospinning solvent affects nanofibers structural morphology and helps formation of beads in the electrospun nanofibers in comparison with that of PVDF/PDA sample. The crystal structure of the samples and the chemical changes in the structure of the polymers indicate that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles increases the stability of the nanofiber structure against heat and chromic change. Samples containing more than 2% ZnO with different UV irradiation times were reversible up to 140 °C. The best thermo-chromic reversibility of the PVDF/PDA/ZnO composite nanofibers could be obtained by sample containing 3% ZnO nanoparticles where the minimum irreversible temperature with an UV irradiation time of 5 min for this sample is 170 °C.

Nanocomposite Films of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanorods/Polyacrylamide(PAM)/Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for Electronic Devices Applications

Novel nanocomposite films of Zinc oxide/polyacrylamide/polyvinyl alcohol (ZnO/PAM/PVA) were fabricated via casting methodology. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles affects the structural and physical properties of the PAM/PVA blend. The degree of the crystallinity was changed in the PAM/PVA blend after adding ZnO nanorods, as seen by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The FT-IR spectra provided evidence of the interaction between the PAM/PVA polymeric chains and ZnO nanorods. The UV-visible measurement confirmed that the ZnO nanorods embedded in PAM/PVA outcomes lead to substantial modifications in the absorption coefficient and band gap. The FESEM images provided confirmation that ZnO induces the formation of pores on polymeric matrices as roughness parameters increase. This characteristic renders it useful in electronic and optical devices. The presence of increased active surface sites on the nanocomposites contributes to their enhanced functionality in these applications. HRTEM images show that ZnO has a rod-like shape with an average particle size of 40 nm. By raising the ZnO loading, the AC conductivity of the blend increased. In the semiconductor industry, these nanocomposite films improved optical characteristics and AC conductivity stimulating their widespread use.

Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on critical buckling load of glass/epoxy composites exposed to sunlight irradiation

Today, advanced materials like fibrous composites are widely used in the industry due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and many other suitable properties. Buckling phenomenon may occur in a thin composite structure subjected to high compressive loads. Moreover, the buckling strength of polymer based composites such as glass/epoxy decreases due to sunlight radiation. In this research, the effect of adding zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as a reinforcement to the matrix material of glass/epoxy composite on the critical buckling load of the beam specimens is investigated experimentally. In addition, samples are exposed to simulated sunlight irradiation and the effect of adding nanoparticles is investigated. Rectangular composite beams are made and reinforced with 1 wt. % of ZnO nanoparticles. Beams are clamped under tensile testing machine for buckling test. Compressive load is applied to the beams in the longitudinal direction and force-displacement graphs are plotted. Results indicate that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles into the epoxy resin increases the critical buckling load of these beams. As the results show, the critical buckling load of ZnO reinforced glass/epoxy specimens increases by %39.4 with respect to that of glass/epoxy samples. Moreover, to investigate the effect of adding nanoparticles after sunlight irradiation, some samples were placed in the accelerated weathering system for 24 h. Buckling test results represent a remarkable increase in the amount of critical buckling load for ZnO/glass/epoxy specimens even after the irradiation. SEM images of the break section of ZnO reinforced glass/epoxy specimens illustrate homogeneous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles in the epoxy resin.

Antibacterial evaluation of electroless Ni–P coating with ZnO nanoparticles on 3D printed ABS

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is one of the most widely used polymers in the manufacture of different parts in engineering applications. This polymer is sometimes subjected to metallizing processes that seek to modify the surface properties of the accessories. These processes often require the use of chromium and palladium. Some of the accessories in which ABS is used are subjected during their day-to-day use to environments in which they are prone to colonization of bacteria, generating multiple problems that affect both human health and the useful life of different equipment and devices. Recently, there have been great developments of nanoparticles with antibacterial properties, such as zinc oxides. However, these nanoparticles have not yet been incorporated and evaluated in metal coatings on ABS substrates with a view to conferring such properties on the polymer. This work implements the use of an electroless antibacterial Ni-P coating, modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles through processes free of chromium and palladium, on ABS substrates. The results showed that the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles in quantities of 0.5 g/L and above in the electroless bath confer antibacterial characteristics on the surface for S. aureus under JIS Z 2801 standard. Through the methodology developed, the future development of 3D printed parts with metallized coating is possible, implementing processes chrome and palladium free, expanding the applications and uses of these.

ZnO nanoparticle: production and use for particleboard improvement

The need for more technological products increases with nanomaterials as a viable proposal, presenting good results in many different industrial sectors, especially in wood panels. Particleboards are composites of wood that have been extensively studied, mainly in relation to the adhesives used in their manufacture, which have an influence on particleboard properties. Thus, as a way of improving these adhesives, zinc oxide nanoparticles were added, giving new properties to the particleboard. Thereby, the present work aimed to produce particleboard with the wood of Eucalyptus Urophila x Grandis hybrid and urea-formaldehyde adhesive with ZnO nanoparticles addition. The physical tests performed were density, moisture content, and thickness swelling. The mechanical tests performed were the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and bonding tests. The results obtained were submitted to statistical analysis and compared with the requirements standards, as well as with works found in the literature. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles did not exercise influence on mechanical tests; however, the physical properties were improved, mainly decreasing the thickness swelling, which is usually a problem for wood products.

Investigation of electrical breakdown and heat transfer properties of coconut oil-based nanofluids

This paper presents the evaluation of two grades of coconut oil - RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized) and virgin coconut oil, plus MIDEL eN1215 as standard natural ester, by dispersing Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to improve their breakdown strength and cooling properties. It is shown that a stable nanofluid can be realized at different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles with or without Oleic acid as a surfactant depending upon the moisture content in oil. Dry and wet nanofluids at 1 and 0.04–0.05 wt% nanoparticles concentration, respectively, showed increased AC breakdown voltage w.r.t individual base oils. As the temperature is raised to 85 °C, the increase in AC breakdown voltage has been insignificant except for wet oils, wherein the AC breakdown voltage increases by 20–36 %. RBD coconut oil shows better viscosity and heat transfer properties, and the latter enhances further by the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Further, the resistance to thermal aging of various nanofluids at optimum wt% of nanoparticles in terms of various physical (viscosity, pour point, flash point) and electrical properties (resistivity, dissipation factor, AC breakdown voltage) have also been analyzed and discussed.

Edible composite films based on chitosan/guar gum with ZnO[sbnd]NPs and roselle calyx extract for active food packaging

The present study aimed to prepare and characterize edible composite films. The edible composite films were made from a mixture of guar gum/chitosan with the loading of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and roselle calyx extract (RCEx). The incorporation of RCEx and ZnONPs improved the antioxidant and mechanical properties of films. Based on yield of bioactive compounds obtained by the UAE method was used for the development of ZnONPs and the edible composite film. The Cross-section microstructure of the films showed that the films were dense and compact. Although the incorporation of RCEx decreased the transparency of the films, it enhanced the UV–Vis light barrier properties. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and solubility of CS/GG film, CS/GG/RCEx and, CS/GG/RCEx/ZnONPs film was found to be (35.74 MPa, 54.24 MPa and, 69.42 MPa), (15.56%, 12.27% and, 9.69%), and (67.23%, 59.41%, and 61.35%) respectively. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films was decreased from 4.68 to 4.06 (g /m2.day.kPa) after the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles into the films, respectively. RCEx and ZnONPs incorporated films showed the higher antioxidant activity than control film, 11.52%, 42.55% and, 68.15% respectively. This study showed edible composite films incorporated ZnONPs and RCEx have promising potential for applications in active food packaging in the future.

Physical-mechanical properties and heat transfer analysis of OSB produced with phenol-formaldehyde and ZnO nanoparticles addition

Oriented Strand Board is a structural wood composite with applications that require good physical and mechanical performance. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles is an alternative that has been studied in order to improve the properties of Oriented Strand Board panels. However, there is no information about its effect Oriented Strand Board. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles in two different percentages (0,25 % and 0,50 %) on the physical-mechanical properties of Oriented Strand Board panels produced with phenol-formaldehyde resin and on the heat transfer during hot-pressing. Oriented Strand Board panels were produced and tested according to European Standards. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles improved the dimensional stability of the panel, reducing its thickness swelling, and also increased the screw withdraw strength. The heat transfer during hot-pressing increased the temperature more quickly on boards with nanoparticles addition; on the other hand the final temperature of the control treatment was higher.

Characterization and application of active films based on commercial polysaccharides incorporating ZnONPs

In the face of the environmental problems caused by using food packaging composed of non-renewable sources, the aim of this study was producing a new antimicrobial film, biodegradable and with UV barrier based on commercial κ-carrageenan/starch polysaccharides loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for the first time by casting method. Different formulations of κ-carrageenan/starch/ZnONPs were extensively characterized. The X-ray patterns displayed diffraction peaks characteristics of the crystallographic plane of ZnONPs. The formation of the material composite was confirmed by specific signals in the FTIR spectrums and endothermic peak shift after ZnONPs addition. The ZnONPs (1.5 and 2 %) produce a more resistant material. The analysis of SEM (cracks remotion of film surface), mechanical properties (higher elongation at rupture and tensile strength), and opacity (low transparency) confirm this. Still, ZnONPs at 2 % produce a hydrophobic surface, justified by lower moisture content, water solubility, and higher WCA. The ZnONPs promoted UV barrier and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. Thus, the new active material was applied as a coating on fresh strawberries and delayed the ripening of the fruit, extending its shelf life. Therefore, we produced, characterized, and applied an active material with potential application in fresh food packaging.

A novel synergistic effect of TiO2 and ZnO incorporation in PES-based thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for treatment of textile wastewater.

A novel synergistic effect of TiO2 and ZnO incorporation in the PES-based thin-film nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes was developed for the treatment of common effluent treatment plant (CETP) textile wastewater. PES@TiO2 membranes were developed by phase inversion via the immersion precipitation method followed by the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by the rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal process via interfacial polymerization. p-Phenylenediamine was used as a monomer for the IP process that was coated on the PES@TiO2 support layer. Various techniques have been applied to characterize the developed thin-film nanocomposite membranes such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and contact angle measurement to examine the presence of vibrational modes, surface morphology, the crystal structure of nanoparticles, and hydrophilicity of the membrane, respectively. Membrane properties include porosity, salt rejection, mean pore radius, pure water flux, and industrial effluent rejection efficiency that were studied. The thin-film nanocomposite membrane T5-PES@TiO2(2%)-ZnO(0.3%) was prepared with a combination of 17 wt% PES, 78 wt% DMF, 3 wt% PVP K30, 2% TiO2, 2.5 wt% PPD, 0.3 wt% ZnO, and 1.0 wt% TMC that exhibited high water permeability, porosity, higher industrial effluent rejection, and salt rejection efficiency compared to the neat PES membrane.

Physicochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Gellan Gum Incorporating Zinc Oxide/Carbon Nanotubes Bionanocomposite Film for Wound Healing.

Wound healing dressing based on a natural polymer of gellan gum incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles and multiwall carbon nanotubes (GG/ZnONP + MWCNT) bionanocomposite film was fabricated via the solution casting method. The physicochemical properties of the film were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the antibacterial properties of the bionanocomposite film were investigated for wound healing applications. The characterization results confirmed the reinforcement of the gellan gum (GG) matrix with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), as an amorphous GG/ZnONP + MWCNT bionanocomposite film was obtained. SEM morphological analysis shows that the addition of ZnONP and MWCNT nanofillers changed the film microstructure into a sponge-like structure that is more suitable for fluid uptake and thus more useful for wound healing. The GG/ZnONP + MWCNT bionanocomposite film demonstrated good antibacterial activity against all strains tested. Furthermore, macroscopic analysis shows that the wound treated with GG/ZnONP + MWCNT bionanocomposite film recovered completely (100%) in 14 days, compared to pure GG film (90.76%) and negative control (77.40%). As a result, the GG/ZnONP + MWCNT bionanocomposite film could be a promising wound dressing material.

Enhanced dielectric properties, thermal stability and ammonia sensing performance of poly(diphenylamine)/zinc oxide nanocomposites via one step polymerization

AbstractThe structural, morphological, thermal, dielectric and electrical conductivity properties of poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites, synthesized by in‐situ chemical polymerization technique, were systematically evaluated and characterized. The ammonia (NH3) gas sensing characteristics of composites were evaluated as a function of ZnO nanoparticle concentration. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of composites showed the characteristic band of ZnO nanoparticles at 418 cm−1indicating an effective interaction between the polymer matrix and filler. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirm the increased crystallinity in the PDPA structure when ZnO is incorporated. The uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies emphasize the shift in glass transition temperatures and enhanced thermal stability of composites relative to bare PDPA, which is further confirmed by the Coat‐Redfern method. Conductivity studies show a significant increase in magnitudes of real part of dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss tangent concerning filler content. The addition of 7 wt% ZnO nanoparticles to PDPA increases the room temperature AC conductivity from 1.058 × 10−5to 7.8 × 10−4 S/cm. Moreover, the room‐temperature NH3gas sensing property of PDPA/ZnO nanocomposites was accelerated by the addition of ZnO nanoparticles.

Does zinc oxide nanoparticles potentiate the regenerative effect of platelet-rich fibrin in healing of critical bone defect in rabbits?

BackgroundMany encouraging studies confirmed the ability of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in accelerating bone growth and mineralization. The use of Platelet Rich-Fibrin (PRF) as a sole filling material for large segmental bone defects remains questionable. The objectives are to investigate the regenerative efficacy of autologous Platelet Rich-Fibrin (PRF) and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in repairing large segmental bone ulnar defects in a randomized controlled study in rabbits using computed tomographic interpretations. A 12 mm critical size defect was surgically induced in the ulna of 30 rabbits (n = 10/ group). In the control group, the defect was left empty. In the PRF group, the defect is filled with PRF. In the PRF/ZnONPs group, the defect is filled with PRF that was inoculated with 0.1 ml of 0.2% ZnONPs. Radiologic healing capacity was evaluated at the first, second, and third postoperative months.ResultsStatistical analysis showed significant differences in the radiologic healing scores between the groups (P = 0.000–0.0001) at all-time points (P = 0.000–0.047) during the study.ConclusionRabbits in the PRF/ZnONPs group showed the highest appreciable bone quality and quantity followed by the PRF group with high quantity but low bone quality meanwhile, rabbits in the control group showed minimal quantity but medium bone quality. Interestingly, the addition of ZnONPs to PRF can accelerate the healing of ulnar critical-size defects in rabbits.

Blown film extrusion of PBAT/TPS/ZnO nanocomposites for shelf-life extension of meat packaging

Biodegradable polymers typically have inferior barrier properties compared to petroleum-based nonbiodegradable plastic. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles may enhance the functional properties of biodegradable packaging and extends the shelf life of packaged foods. Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blended ZnO (1–5%) nanocomposite films were developed via blown extrusion for functional active meat packaging. The nanocomposite film morphology showed agglomeration of the nanoparticles, causing poor mechanical properties. Nanovoids formed at the interface between the polymer and nanoparticles, increasing permeability. Dispersion of ZnO nanofillers modified CO and C-O ester bonding in PBAT and increased hydrogen bonding with TPS. The interaction between ZnO and polymers increased the dispersion and reduced the agglomeration of nanoparticles. The highest ZnO content at 5% resulted in a stronger interaction between ZnO and TPS due to increased amorphous starch content, which improved homogeneous dispersion within the matrices, reducing nanoparticle size. The ZnO nanocomposite films reduced lipid oxidation and delayed microbial growth, resulting in a lower total viable count, lactic acid bacteria and yeast and mold in packaged pork meat. Higher ZnO concentrations from 3% showed microbial inhibitory effects. The growth of microorganisms was controlled by residual oxygen, morphology of the films and nanoparticle characteristics. The nanocomposite films effectively extended the shelf life by more than 3 days under refrigerated conditions.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Performance of Broiler Chickens Under Hot Climatic Conditions.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles on broilers' performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass criteria, and blood biochemistry. A total of 120 1-day-old unsexed broiler chickens (Ross 308) were fed zinc oxide nanoparticles at different levels (0, 20, 40, or 60mg/kg) in their diets. Each treatment included 6 replicate pens with 5 birds each. The experiment lasted 42days. The brooding temperatures were 37.8°C, 35.8°C, and 29.9°C during 1-10days, 11-21days, and 22-42days of age, respectively. The results revealed that dietary supplementation of nanoparticles of zinc oxide at 20, 40, and 60mg/kg diet significantly improved body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio showing linear effects (P < 0.05) compared to the birds fed the control diet under hot climatic conditions. Dietary addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles at 20, 40, and 60mg/kg linearly increased (P < 0.05) the nutrient digestibility of crude protein, crude fiber, and ether extract compared to the control group. Birds fed the supplemented diets had improved liver and kidney function without any negative effects on zinc, inorganic phosphorus, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels in serum compared to the control. Diets supplemented with zinc oxide nanoparticles linearly (P < 0.05) improved the dressing percent and reduced abdominal fat percent compared to the control group. In view of the above findings, it can be concluded that dietary supplementations of zinc oxide nanoparticles at 20, 40, and 60mg/kg resulted in improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass criteria, and liver and kidney functions of broiler chickens under hot environmental conditions.