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Antimicrobial biodegradable chitosan-based composite Nano-layers for food packaging
Vivek Kumar Pandey1, Siddh Nath Upadhyay2, Keshavan Niranjan3
1Department of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India; Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO, Box 226, Reading, RG6 6AP, UK.
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun fibers create antimicrobial nano-layers. This eco-friendly material effectively extends meat shelf-life by inhibiting microbial degradation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Food Science
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit antimicrobial properties.
- Chitosan (CH) is a biocompatible polymer with stabilizing and antimicrobial capabilities.
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a versatile polymer suitable for electrospinning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop eco-friendly, antimicrobial fibrous composite nano-layers (FCNLs) using AgNPs and PVA.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the FCNLs against foodborne pathogens.
- To assess the potential of FCNLs as active packaging material for extending meat shelf-life.
Main Methods:
- Green synthesis of stable AgNPs mediated by chitosan (CH).
- Fabrication of electrospun FCNLs by blending AgNPs with PVA.
- Characterization using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and water contact angle measurements.
- Antimicrobial activity testing against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli.
- Application testing as meat packaging material.
Main Results:
- Characterization confirmed the successful synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs (80 ± 11 nm) and their incorporation into PVA fibers.
- The electrospun composite demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Water contact angle measurements indicated the hydrophobicity of the composite material.
- Meat packaged with the FCNLs exhibited extended shelf-life by one week due to inhibited microbial degradation.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan-mediated green synthesized AgNPs blended with PVA form effective antimicrobial electrospun nano-layers.
- These FCNLs show promise as an eco-friendly active packaging material for enhancing food preservation.
- The developed nanocomposite effectively inhibits microbial degradation, extending the quality and safety of packaged food.
