Gelatin/cellulose nanofiber-based functional films added with mushroom-mediated sulfur nanoparticles for active packaging applications

Enoki mushroom-mediated sulfur nanoparticles (SNP) were developed using a facile acid hydrolysis process. Enoki mushroom extract was applied as a natural stabilizing agent for SNPs. The capped SNPs showed good dispersion and stability in an aqueous solution. Enoki mushroom extract-capped SNPs were similar to 20 nm in size and approximately spherical. The XPS and FTIR analysis confirmed that mushroom extract successfully capped SNPs. The SNPs were used to fabricate the gelatin/cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based binary functional film. The mixing of SNPs pointedly enhanced the mechanical and UV-protective properties of the film. However, the inclusion of SNPs did not meaningfully change the film's other physical properties. The SNP-added nanocomposite film displayed strong antibacterial action toward foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The gelatin/CNF-based functional films are expected to be used in active packaging applications. [GRAPHICS]