Packaging Covered with Antiviral and Antibacterial Coatings Based on ZnO Nanoparticles Supplemented with Geraniol and Carvacrol

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to obtain an external coating based on nanoparticles of ZnO, carvacrol, and geraniol that could be active against viruses such as SARS-Co-V2. Additionally, the synergistic effect of the chosen substances in coatings was analyzed. The goal of the study was to measure the possible antibacterial activity of the coatings obtained. Testing antiviral activity with human pathogen viruses, such as SARS-Co-V2, requires immense safety measures. Bacteriophages such as phi 6 phage represent good surrogates for the study of airborne viruses. The results of the study indicated that the ZC1 and ZG1 coatings containing an increased amount of geraniol or carvacrol and a very small amount of nanoZnO were found to be active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is also important that a synergistic effect between these active substances was noted. This explains why polyethylene (PE) films covered with the ZC1 or ZG1 coatings (as internal coatings) were found to be the best packaging materials to extend the quality and freshness of food products. The same coatings may be used as the external coatings with antiviral properties. The ZC1 and ZG1 coatings showed moderate activity against the phi 6 phage that has been selected as a surrogate for viruses such as coronaviruses. It can be assumed that coatings ZG1 and ZC1 will also be active against SARS-CoV-2 that is transmitted via respiratory droplets.

Polyethylene Films Coated with Antibacterial and Antiviral Layers Based on CO2 Extracts of Raspberry Seeds, of Pomegranate Seeds and of Rosemary

“…The study demonstrated that boxes containing polyethylene films (PE) coated with an active layer consisting of methylhydroxy-propyl-cellulose (MHPC) with nanoparticles of zinc oxide were found to be very active films to extend the shelf life of cod fillets. Another good example is a previous study by the author [4] which demonstrated that a PE covered with MHPC coating/layers with a very small amount of nanoparticles of zinc oxide, as well as geraniol or carvacrol, were found to be very good, active films to extend the shelf life of food products. Additionally, a synergistic effect between active additives/compounds mentioned above was also noticed.…”

“…Active substances which are responsible for the antimicrobial activity of the packaging can be introduced into the polymer matrix or the coating. The active coatings are typically manufactured using biopolymers derived from various natural plant and animal sources, such as polysaccharides with the addition of other active substances [2][3][4]. An excellent example of the use of active packaging to extend the shelf-life of food products was offered by a previous work carried out by the author [3].…”

“…Additionally, a synergistic effect between active additives/compounds mentioned above was also noticed. There are many substances, such as essential oils, ZnO nanoparticles or plant extracts which may be added into the coating carrier to create an active coating [1][2][3][4][5].…”

Gallic Acid Based Black Tea Extract as a Stabilizing Agent in ZnO Particles Green Synthesis

“…Among many nanomaterials, zinc oxide nanostructures are exceptionally attractive thanks to their unique functional properties and the diversity of their applications. They have been used in many fields as gas sensors [ 8 ], piezoelectric devices [ 9 ], solar cells [ 10 ], fillers in polymeric nanocomposites [ 11 , 12 ], coatings [ 13 , 14 ], antimicrobial agents [ 15 ], and in textiles [ 16 ].…”

Metal Nano/Microparticles for Bioapplications

“…Various nanomaterials have been investigated for antiviral and antibacterial effects. Mizielińska et al reported the potential antibacterial activity of the coatings based on nanoparticles of ZnO, carvacrol, and geraniol [ 12 ]. Kong et al reported a unique toxicity based on Co-NPs based on their sizes.…”