Development of Antibacterial Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Nanobiocomposite Films Containing Various Metallic Nanoparticles for Food Packaging Applications

In this study, silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper oxide (CuO) metallic nanoparticles were used in preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanobiocomposite films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (EDXA), water vapor permeability (WVP), ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and mechanical and microbial tests were used to determine the characteristics of the obtained active films. SEM results showed that the CMC nanobiocomposite films had roughness deflection levels and the EDXA test confirmed the presence of Ag, ZnO, and Cuo nanoparticles in the biopolymer tissue. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed that with addition of metallic nanoparticles to the pure CMC film, absorption rate increased and WVP decreased. In the mechanical tests, addition of nanoparticles also increased the tensile strength of the films, and the nanobiocomposite films exhibited higher resistance compared to the pure CMC film. Films incorporating metallic nanoparticles showed antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth. Thus, nanobiocomposite films can be used as active packaging films and could increase the shelf-life of the food.