Zinc oxide nanoparticle-reinforced pectin/starch functionalized films: A sustainable solution for biodegradable packaging.

Environmental pollution caused by non-biodegradable plastic pollutants adversely affects various ecosystems. This study proposes the development of novel functional and biodegradable films based on corn starch (CST) and pectin (PEC) containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from the casting method. The films exhibited processability, transparency, low water vapor permeation, and desirable mechanical properties for food packaging and coating applications.

Characterization and application of active films based on commercial polysaccharides incorporating ZnONPs.

In the face of the environmental problems caused by using food packaging composed of non-renewable sources, the aim of this study was producing a new antimicrobial film, biodegradable and with UV barrier based on commercial κ-carrageenan/starch polysaccharides loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for the first time by casting method. Different formulations of κ-carrageenan/starch/ZnONPs were extensively characterized. The X-ray patterns displayed diffraction peaks characteristics of the crystallographic plane of ZnONPs.