Microbiological and cytotoxic perspectives of active PCL/ZnO film for food packaging

Abstract

Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were added to poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and PCL/ZnO casting films were produced, afterwards films were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, antimicrobial and cytotoxic parameters were determined using microbial adhesion testing according to JIS Z 2801: 2000 (E) and agar diffusion method according to ISO 10993-5 2009, respectively. From collected data, the chemical identity of individual components was kept and the surface control could be achieved changing the composition. According to FTIR spectra and using the Lambert-Beer law higher interaction ratios were met for higher ZnO content which is linked to antimicrobial action. As revealed by AFM analysis, at 5% of ZnO, nanoparticles were well dispersed in PCL matrix with uniform surface film. Analyses from antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity suggested pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus growth was hindered in ZnO films; specifically for PCL/ZnO 5% optimal antibacterial activity and toxicity absent were reached. Summing up, PCL/ZnO5% nanocomposites films offer great potential for commercial applications as active food packaging.

The Composites of PCL and Tetranuclear Titanium(IV)-oxo Complexes as Materials Exhibiting the Photocatalytic and the Antimicrobial Activity

“…Synthesized compounds were dispersed in the poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix. PCL is a biodegradable (degradation time from 2 to 3 years) thermoplastic polymer, which is increasingly used in the production of medical devices, e.g., catchers, stents, intrauterine devices [31][32][33][34][35][36][37], as well as environmentally friendly packaging for food products [38]. The analysis of the previous reports shows the growing interest in modifying PCL films/coatings to obtain biodegradable materials, which can be antimicrobial agent release carriers, e.g., antimicrobial peptides [39] or antibiotics [37].…”

Effects of polycaprolactone viscosity on morphology, mechanical properties, water uptake, and cellular viability in poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/polycaprolactone blends for tissue engineering

“…Bands in the region of 3000–2850 cm −1 are related to CH vibrations. Vibrations of CH 2 were observed at 1468, 1106, 1043 cm −1 , and at 1292 cm −1 is a CC band 54‐56 …”

“…Vibrations related to the crystalline phase were also observed at 1043 cm À1 , and at 1292 cm À1 is a C C band. [54][55][56] The blends exhibited the characteristic bands of the pure polymers (Figure S1a,b). Only variations in intensity were verified, which were influenced proportionally by the blend composition.…”

Polymeric Nanocomposites for Environmental and Industrial Applications

“…Mahmoodi et al developed colure biodegradable film nanocomposites composed of PLA, dye, and clay, which exhibited superior light and thermo-mechanical resistance and also provided a barrier to mass transport, rendering these suitable for use as packaging materials [191]. The nanocomposite containing polycaprolactone and zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and demonstrated great potential as an active food packaging material [192]. Starch nanocomposite films with montmorillonite, prepared through melt processing, are also capable of being used in food packaging.…”