Antimicrobial bionanocomposites of poly(lactic acid)/ZnO deposited halloysite nanotubes for potential food packaging applications

In this study, nanocomposites of polylactic acid (PLA) with ZnO deposited halloysite nanotubes (HNT) (ZnO@HNT) were synthesized by using ultrasound assisted solvent casting method. The synthesized PLA/ ZnO@HNT films were characterized for physical, thermal, mechanical, UV-shielding, barrier properties and antimicrobial activity for food packaging applications. The nanocomposite film PZH2 (consisting 2 wt% ZnO@HNT) showed the best properties with percentage increments over PLA as: surface hydrophobicity (16.5%), water vapor barrier (51.1%), flexibility (79.3%), tensile strength (38.9%), elastic modulus (507.1%), UV barrier property (95.3%), antimicrobial activity (R> 99%). Moreover, a packaging test was performed on cut apples for 6 days storage period to evaluate the potential efficacy of nanocomposite films for food packaging applications. The PZH2 films showed considerably improved results as follows: weight loss = 4.17%; total sol-uble solids = 10.9 degrees Brix; firmness = 2.4 N; and pH = 4.0. The results have demonstrated efficiency of PLA/ ZnO@HNT nanocomposite films as potential food packaging material.

Automated summary

Nanocomposites of PLA with ZnO deposited HNT were synthesized by ultrasound assisted solvent casting. The synthesized films showed improved physical, thermal, mechanical properties, UV-shielding, barrier properties, and antimicrobial activities for food packaging applications. The 2 wt% ZnO@HNT nanocomposite film exhibited the best performance and demonstrated potential as an effective food packaging material.