Development of Nano-ZnO Coated Food Packaging Film and its Inhibitory Effect on <i>Escherichia coli In Vitro</i> and in Actual Tests

Abstract

In this study, we investigated antibacterial activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles coated on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films against Escherichia. coli both in vitro and in actual test. Results showed that the nano-ZnO coated films displayed excellent inhibition effects on the growth of E. coli and the nano-ZnO particular was contributed to the bactericidal ability. The more amounts of the ZnO particulars the film coated, the greater inhibitory effect it exhibited. The disinfection efficiency with ZnO film is relatively constant at pH values in the range of 4.5 to 8.0. In the actual test, the number of E. coli cells from cut apple stored in a ZnO-coated bag in the dark decreased from 8.72 to 6.3 log CFU/ml after 1 day, while that of an same bag irradiated with light decreased from 8.72 to 3.5 log CFU/ml after 2 days of storage. The results reveal that nano-ZnO coated film has a good promise to make antimicrobial packaging again E. coli and reduce the risks of microbial growth on fresh-cut produce.

Nanocomposite Zinc Oxide-Chitosan Coatings on Polyethylene Films for Extending Storage Life of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

“…Antimicrobial effect of plastic bags coated with ZnO nanoparticles was reported previously. Li and co-workers [ 50 ] reported 30% reduction in E. coli count in cut apple stored in ZnO coated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags. Similarly, it was reported by Emamifar and co-workers [ 51 ] that the application of low density polyethylene (LDPE) packages blended with ZnO nanoparticles reduced total aerobic bacteria and total yeast and mould in fresh orange juice as well as prolonged its shelf life up to 28 days at 4 °C without any negative effects on sensory quality of the juice.…”

Nanomaterials for products and application in agriculture, feed and food

“…Zinc oxide NM has also been shown to effectively protect products from foodborne pathogens (Espitia et al, 2012;Li et al, 2011;Sinha, Gadhwal, Joshi, SrivaStava, & Govil, 2011). A combination of zinc oxide and copper oxide NM is interesting for applications in the food industry as they have a selective toxicity towards bacteria and only induce minimal effects on human health (Ravishankar Rai & Jamuna Bai, 2011).…”

“…The most common NM added to food packaging to confer antimicrobial properties are silver, chitosan, zinc oxide (Li, Li, Zhang, & Xing, 2011), TiO 2 (Yemmireddy, Farrell, & Hung, 2015) and nisin (de Azeredo, 2013;Ravishankar Rai & Jamuna Bai, 2011;Trbojevich & Fern andez, 2015). Chitosan is a very promising option for antimicrobial food packaging, and has great potential for a wide range of applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, non-toxicity and versatile chemical and physical properties (Aresta et al, 2013;Dutta, Tripathi, Mehrotra, & Dutta, 2009).…”

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity of Ingested Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials

“…In Europe (EU), these particles are not approved for use in plastic materials, since they can migrate to the food [17]. Chitosan, zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO) are candidates also to be used in FCM to prevent the appearance of pathogens in food [18,19], however they are not allowed yet in EU. The incorporation of NMs, such as nanocellulose in FCM might improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the materials, namely the ones consisting in biodegradable polymers, since due to their natural origin these polymers tend to present poor barriers [20].…”