Fabrication and characterization of soluble soybean polysaccharide and nanorod-rich ZnO bionanocomposite

In this study, a novel bionanocomposite film was prepared by the casting method. Different concentrations [i.e., 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% (w/w)] of nanorod-rich ZnO (ZnO-nr) were incorporated into soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS). The mechanical, thermophysical, antimicrobial, and barrier properties of the resultant bionanocomposite films were evaluated. Incorporation of 4% ZnO-nr into the SSPS matrix reduced water vapor permeability from 8.19 x 10(-11) to 5.25 x 10(-11) (gm(-1) s(-1) Pa-1) and oxygen permeability from 223 to 127 (cm(3) mu m m(-2) day(-1) atm(-1)). The elongation at break and heat seal strength of the films increased by over 20%. The moisture content, glass transition temperature, and tensile strength of the SSPS films significantly decreased by ZnO-nr incorporation. SSPS/ZnO-nr (4%) films showed 0% UV transmittance and were able to absorb over 70% of the near-infrared spectrum. The SSPS/ZnO-nr films exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In summary, ZnO-nr is an excellent potential filler for SSPS-based films used as packaging materials. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.