Green synthesis of three-component Ag/AgCl/TiO2 nanocomposite using Zataria Multiflora plant and evaluation of its application in the production of the biodegradable film to increase egg durability in packaging

Because of the high perishability of eggs during storage, the aim of this study was to increase the shelf life of quail eggs by maintaining nutritional and quality characteristics with the production of biodegradable three-part film Ag/AgCl/TiO2 based on corn starch. So, the synthesis and characterization of Ag/AgCl /TiO2 three-component nanocomposite using Zataria bracteata Boiss plant was performed using the techniques of XRD, TEM and FTIR. Then, the physicochemical and microbial properties of the film were investigated and the resulting film was used to cover the eggs. The eggs' physicochemical and microbial properties were evaluated during 27 days of storage. TEM images showed uniform loading of Ag /AgCl nanoparticles on the TiO2 surface. The highest solubility of the film (55.96%) was related to the control sample and the lowest (42.73%) was related to the film containing titanium dioxide. Furthermore, the highest modulus of elasticity (1.99 MPa) was observed in the control sample and the lowest (1.07 MPa) in the film containing a three-component nanocomposite. Also, the Ag/AgCl/TiO2 nanocomposite treatment had the lowest weight loss (5.44%) and lowest pH after 27 days egg storage. The results of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, e.coli counts, total counts, and mold and yeast counts after 27 days of storage showed that the samples contain nanocomposites were significantly less contaminated than the control samples. In conclusion, the results showed that thyme extract, along with silver and titanium dioxide nanocomposites, has a high potential for the production of nanoparticles in high purity and nanometer sizes with antimicrobial properties and application in the food industry as it has a cover and a film.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to increase the shelf life of quail eggs by producing a biodegradable three-part film Ag/AgCl/TiO2 based on corn starch. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using XRD, TEM, and FTIR techniques. The resulting film was used to cover the eggs and the physicochemical and microbial properties were evaluated during storage. The nanocomposite film exhibited lower solubility, lower modulus of elasticity, and reduced microbial contamination compared to the control samples.