Construction and application of nano ZnO/eugenol@yam starch/microcrystalline cellulose active antibacterial film

The goal of this study was to develop new biocomposite films that can better protect and prolong the shelf life of food. Here, a ZnO: eugenol@yam starch/microcrystalline cellulose (ZnO:Eu@SC) antibacterial active film was constructed. Because of the advantages of metal oxides and plant essential oils, codoping with these can effec-tively improve the physicochemical and functional properties of composite films. The addition of an appropriate amount of nano-ZnO improved the compactness and thermostability, reduced the moisture sensitivity, and enhanced the mechanical and barrier properties of the film. ZnO:Eu@SC exhibited good controlled release of nano-ZnO and Eu in food simulants. Nano-ZnO and Eu release was controlled by two mechanisms: diffusion (primary) and swelling (secondary). After loading Eu, the antimicrobial activity of ZnO:Eu@SC was significantly enhanced, resulting in a synergistic antibacterial effect. Z4:Eu@SC film extended the pork shelf life by 100 % (25 degrees C). In humus, the ZnO:Eu@SC film was effectively degraded into fragments. Therefore, the ZnO:Eu@SC film has excellent potential in food active packaging.

Automated summary

The goal of this study was to develop new biocomposite films that can better protect and prolong the shelf life of food. A ZnO: eugenol@yam starch/microcrystalline cellulose (ZnO:Eu@SC) antibacterial active film was constructed, which effectively improved the physicochemical and functional properties of composite films by utilizing the advantages of metal oxides and plant essential oils. The addition of an appropriate amount of nano-ZnO improved the film's compactness, thermostability, moisture sensitivity, mechanical properties, and barrier properties. ZnO:Eu@SC exhibited good controlled release of nano-ZnO and Eu in food simulants, and the antimicrobial activity was significantly enhanced after loading Eu.