Enhanced functional properties of nanocomposite film incorporated with EGCG-loaded dialdehyde glucomannan/gelatin matrix for food packaging

The development of konjac glucomannan (KGM) based films for use in food packaging has aroused increasing attention due to biodegradability, compatibility, and availability. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) loaded dialdehyde glucomannan (DG) was incorporated into a gelatin (G) solution to improve the functional properties of DGG film. Rutin functionalized cellulose nanocrystal (RCNC) was incorporated into a DG/G matrix (DGG). The influences of RCNC addition on the structural, mechanical properties, barrier and optical properties were investigated. The RCNC@DGG films were prepared by the solvent casting method. The surface morphology of the RCNC@DGG films were analyzed by SEM and AFM. The crystal structure and thermal ability of the film were investigated by XRD and TGA-DTG. Elemental and characteristic peak changes were evaluated by FT-IR. The microstructure of the films showed that the introduced RCNC appeared to be dispersed within the DGG matrix, thereby decreasing the free volume, and enhancing RCNC@DGG films' mechanical and barrier properties. Compared with DGG film, RCNC@DGG nanocomposite films showed excellent antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens, due to the antibacterial property of the EGCG. Therefore, RCNC@DGG nanocomposite films showed the potential for applications in active food packaging materials.