Chitosan-based composite films containing eugenol nanoemulsion, ZnO nanoparticles and Aloe vera gel for active food packaging

Biopolymer-based food packaging films are gaining increasing popularity, as consumers' demands for sustainable alternatives and environmental concerns associated with synthetic plastic packaging grow. In this research work, chitosan-based active antimicrobial films reinforced with eugenol nanoemulsion (EuNE), Aloe vera gel, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were fabricated and characterized for their solubility, microstructure, optical properties, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The rate of release of EuNE from the fabricated films was also evaluated to determine active nature of the films. The EuNE droplet size was about 200 nm, and they were uniformly distributed throughout the film matrices. Incorporation of EuNE in chitosan drastically improved UVlight barrier property of the fabricated composite film by 3 to 6 folds, while maintaining their transparency. The XRD spectra of the fabricated films showed good compatibility between the chitosan and the incorporated active agents. The incorporation of ZnONPs significantly improved their antibacterial properties against foodborne bacteria and tensile strength about 2-folds, whereas incorporation of EuNE and AVG improved DPPH scavenging activities of the chitosan film up to 95 %, respectively.

Automated summary

Biopolymer-based food packaging films are gaining popularity as consumers demand sustainable alternatives and express concerns about synthetic plastic packaging. In this study, chitosan-based active antimicrobial films were created with the addition of eugenol nanoemulsion (EuNE), Aloe vera gel, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). The films were characterized for solubility, microstructure, optical properties, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The incorporation of EuNE improved the UV light barrier property of the films, while maintaining transparency. The addition of ZnONPs enhanced antibacterial properties and tensile strength, and the addition of EuNE and Aloe vera gel improved DPPH scavenging activities.