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Background: Active food packaging films with improved properties and strong antimicrobial activity were prepared by blending mixed nanomaterials with different ratio [1:4 (40 mg:160 mg), 3:2 (120 mg: 80 mg), 0:5 (0 mg: 200 mg) and 5:0 (200 mg:0 mg)] of ZnO and kaolin with semolina using a solvent casting method and used for the packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to test the effect of packaging on the quality change of the cheese for long-term (up to 72 days) refrigerated storage., Results: Compared with the neat semolina film, mechanical strength (TS) of the nanocomposite films increased significantly (increase in 21-65%) and water vapor barrier (WVP) and O 2 gas barrier (OP) properties decreased significantly (decrease in 43-50% and 60-65%, respectively) depending on the blending ratio of ZnO and kaolin nanoclay. The nanocomposite films also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus), yeast (C. albicans), and mold (A. niger). The nanocomposite packaging films were effectively prevented the growth of microorganisms (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi) of the cheese during storage at low-temperature and showed microbial growth of less than 2.5 log CFU/g after 72 days of storage compared to the control group, and the quality of the packaged cheese was still acceptable., Conclusion: The semolina-based nanocomposite films, especially Sem/Z 3 K 2 film, were effective for packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to maintain the physicochemical properties (pH, moisture, and fat content) and quality (color, taste, texture, and overall acceptability) of the cheese as well as preventing microbial growth (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Biodegradable films are extremely important for food packaging applications since they minimize environmental effects. However, their application areas are limited due to insufficient characteristics required for particular applications. The objective of the present research was to improve the properties of sago‐based biodegradable films embedded with nano‐ and micro‐ZnO (zinc oxide). Nano and micro‐ZnO were incorporated in the films at different percentages (1%, 3%, and 5%) in that the films were formed using the solvent casting method. The physicochemical, barrier, thermal, optical, morphology, and mechanical properties of sago‐based films were investigated. Adding 5% of micro‐ and nano‐ZnO significantly improved film thickness (0.162 and 0.150 mm, respectively) and WVP (4.40 and 5.64 (kg/s)/(m.Pa), respectively) while the optical properties and thermal stability exhibited superior performance. Micro‐ZnO particles improved the mechanical properties of sago‐based biodegradable films with the tensile strength reaching 6.173 MPa. Moreover, sago‐based nano‐ZnO films showed excellent UV‐shielding performance and relatively good visible‐light transmittance. This study suggested that sago biodegradable film incorporated with micro‐ZnO could be an excellent alternative to petroleum‐based plastic packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intended to provide biopolymer films used as food packaging, which will result in reducing environmental pollution produced by the activities of synthetic food packaging. We used zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-nr) and we prepared nanocomposite films by means of solvent casting. FTIR and SEM were employed to characterize the final films. SEM images revealed that ZnO-nr particles were homogenously distributed throughout the film surface. The thermal, optical, and heat sealability properties of the films were also examined. Adding ZnO-nr significantly reduced oxygen permeability and heat sealability. The semolina films' UV absorbance was highly impacted by the degree of ZnO-nr addition. The nanocomposite films absorbed above 90% of the near infrared spectra. In addition, the zeta potential revealed the surface charge of ZnO-nr had a negative charge of about -33.9 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to develop biopolymer-based antimicrobial films as food packaging that will consequently reduce environmental pollution caused by the accumulation of petroleum origin food packaging. Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-nr) were incorporated as the antimicrobial component in nanocomposite films based on semolina, which were prepared by solvent casting. SEM and XRD were used to characterize the resulting films. The mechanical, barrier, optical, physical and antimicrobial properties of the films were also analyzed. The addition of ZnO-nr reduced the solubility, WVP, and elongation at break while increased the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the nanocomposite films compared with the control film. The apparent surface color and UV transmittance of the semolina films was greatly influenced by the amount of ZnO-nr. The nanocomposite films exhibited 0% UVA in transmittance the near infrared spectra. Furthermore, the ZnO-nr semolina films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current environmental concerns fostered a strong interest in extracting polymers from renewable feedstocks. Chitosan, a second most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose, may prove to be a promising green material owing to its renewability, inherent biodegradablity, natural availability, non-toxicity, and ease of modification. This review is intended to comprehensively overview the recent developments on the isolation of chitosan from chitin, its modification and applications as a reinforcing candidate for food packaging materials, emphasizing the scientific underpinnings arising from its physicochemical properties, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. We review various chitosan-reinforced composites reported in the literature and comprehensively present intriguing mechanical and other functional properties. We highlight the contribution of these mechanically robust and responsive materials to extend the shelf-life and maintain the qualities of a wide range of food commodities. Finally, we assess critical challenges and highlight future opportunities towards understanding the versatile applications of chitosan nanocomposites. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]