Biodegradable hybrid nanocomposites of chitosan/gelatin and silver nanoparticles for active food packaging applications

Due to stringent environmental regulations, packaging industry is exploring economically viable biodegradable packaging materials for food use with desired properties and less impact on the environment. Biopolymers such as chitosan, gelatin have emerged as effective alternatives to plastic packaging materials, with desired packaging functionality and biodegradability. In this present work, we have successfully fabricated hybrid nanocomposite film consisting of chitosan, gelatin, polyethylene glycol and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by solution casting method. A series of films was prepared having different contents of AgNPs and chitosan. Nano-Ag addition led to enhanced mechanical properties and decrease in light transmittance in visible light region. However, transparency studies, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy confirmed transparent and homogenous nature for all newly prepared films indicating the uniform distribution of the components in the developed films. Further studies on packaging of red grapes indicated that the shelf life of the fruit extended for additional two weeks in case of the hybrid film. Therefore, the results of the present study can be further explored to fabricate commercially viable and effective packaging material for food applications.