Optical, mechanical, structural, and antimicrobial properties of tamarind kernel powder, halloysite, and cinnamaldehyde nanocomposite films

Abstract

With paramount pressures from the laws enforcing agents and the general public in greenhouse gas emission and environmental issues, the importance of biodegradable materials with suitable properties for potential applications in the food packaging has received serious attention. In this work, tamarind kernel powder (TKP)/halloysite (HS)/cinnamaldehyde (CND) nanocomposite (NC) films were successfully developed using the solution casting method. CND with selected concentrations (0.5%–3%, w/w) were loaded into TKP (5% w/w)/HS (2% w/w) matrix. The NC films were characterized by optical measurement (e.g., color, transparency), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), barrier, and mechanical properties. The CND concentration significantly influenced the film properties. The developed nanocomposite films exhibited excellent antimicrobial efficacy against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative foodborne pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium). Film with 2% CND was found to be a good candidate for active packaging application. Practical applications In the present times, there have been increased interests in the fabrication of biodegradable films for food packaging applications to reduce the usage of plastic‐based materials. This trend has urged researchers to develop bio‐based packaging materials with increased functionality. Tamarind kernel powder possesses excellent film‐forming properties, and their reinforcement with nanoclays and essential oil makes them useful as a food packaging material. In the present study, the optical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of tamarind kernel powder films were improved by incorporating halloysite nanoclay and cinnamaldehyde. Therefore, the developed antimicrobial films with improved functionality have high potential as a food packaging material.

Development and characterization of defatted pumpkin seed meal and halloysite nanoclay composite films for food packaging

“…Compared with DPSM‐Control films, the HS‐loaded nanocomposite films showed a sharp increase in peak intensity at ~1030 cm −1 , which attributes to the Si–O stretching vibration of HS 14,43 . Moreover, a new absorption peak at ~915 cm −1 in the nanocomposite films was ascribed to the of O—H deformation of inner hydroxyl groups present in HS nanoclays 19,44 . Therefore, the FTIR spectra confirm the inclusion of HS nanoclays in the DPSM film matrix.…”

“…14,43 Moreover, a new absorption peak at $915 cm À1 in the nanocomposite films was ascribed to the of O-H deformation of inner hydroxyl groups present in HS nanoclays. 19,44 Therefore, the FTIR spectra confirm the inclusion of HS nanoclays in the DPSM film matrix.…”

“…The measurement was performed at room temperature in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode. The spectrum was obtained at a range from 4000‐ to 500‐cm −1 wavenumber at 4‐cm −1 resolution 19 …”

“…Incorporation of HS nanoclay on various biopolymers has been reported earlier 14,16,19,20 . Nonetheless, the effect of clay addition on DPSM leading to the production of biopolymeric films has not been explored yet.…”

“…Incorporation of HS nanoclay on various biopolymers has been reported earlier. 14,16,19,20 Nonetheless, the effect of clay addition on DPSM leading to the production of biopolymeric films has not been explored yet. Therefore, this work was aimed at developing a food packaging film with DPSM using varying concentrations of HS nanoclay and investigating its impacts on the physical, optical, morphological, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of the films.…”