Enhanced multi functionality of semi-refined iota carrageenan as food packaging material by incorporating SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract

This paper reports the incorporation of SiO2–ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) into semi-refined iota carrageenan-based (SRIC) film as active food packaging. The dispersion of the nanoparticles was performed using a bead milling method and the films were prepared using the solution casting method. The incorporation of SiO2–ZnO NPs into SRIC films aims to provide multifunctional food packaging with enhanced water vapor barrier properties, UV-screening, and antimicrobial activity. The effect of the incorporation of SiO2 NPs, ZnO NPs, and the mixtures of SiO2–ZnO NPs varied in SiO2/ZnO ratios (SiO2–ZnO 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength, water vapor barrier performance, UV-screening, and antimicrobial activity of the SRIC film were increased by the addition of either SiO2 or ZnO NPs alone. Interestingly, when the mixtures of SiO2–ZnO were incorporated, more significant improvement was observed. Also, the bio-degradability and solubility of all the SRIC films were confirmed. It was concluded that the SiO2–ZnO NPs incorporated into SRIC film provided multifunctional activities and acted as a promising active food packaging material.