Magnetically responsive chitosan-pectin films incorporating Fe3O4 nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial activity br

Chitosan-pectin films with iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by solution casting in order to produce biopolymer based magnetically active materials. Infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated physical in-teractions between the matrix and nanoparticles, corroborated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results. In addition, thermal characterization suggested that the interactions between chitosan, pectin and the nano-particles resulted in a less compact structure, influencing the film mechanical properties. Regarding vibrating- sample magnetometry (VSM) and electrical analysis, chitosan-pectin films with Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed ferrimagnetic behavior, with an increase of the dielectric constant as the nanoparticle concentration increased. Furthermore, films displayed enhanced antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram-positive) bacteria. Therefore, chitosan-pectin films with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles provide promising results for active and intelligent food packaging applications.

Automated summary

Chitosan-pectin films containing Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were prepared using solution casting method, creating biopolymer-based magnetically active materials. Physical interactions between the matrix and nanoparticles were confirmed by FTIR spectra and DSC results. The structure of the films was influenced by the interactions, leading to changes in mechanical properties. VSM and electrical analysis showed that the films exhibited ferrimagnetic behavior and increased dielectric constant with higher nanoparticle concentration. Additionally, the films demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of chitosan-pectin films with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles in active and intelligent food packaging applications.