Sustainable use of biowaste for synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its incorporation into gelatin‐based nanocomposite films for antimicrobial food packaging applications

Abstract

Biodegradable nanocomposite films have been developed by incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into the gelatin biopolymer matrix for food packaging applications. AgNPs were biologically synthesized using industrial food waste, namely, cassava tuber peels. The cassava peels mediated synthesized AgNPs exhibited a maximum absorbance peak at 434.4 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy results revealed spherical shaped particles with a size range of 10–45 nm. The presence of elemental silver and crystalline nature of AgNPs was confirmed by Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyzes. AgNPs showed significant antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images of the films showed the successful incorporation of AgNPs into the gelatin matrix. AgNPs integration has demonstrated improvement in the mechanical and barrier properties of nanocomposite films. The gelatin–AgNPs nanocomposite films have resulted in an excellent notable increase in the shelf life of sapodilla fruits. This confirms that the gelatin–AgNPs nanocomposite films are ideal for the food packaging industry to extend the shelf life of packaged food. Practical applications The use of silver nanoparticles as an antimicrobial in the field of food technology has been of great interest in recent years. The present study highlights the importance of the use of industrial food waste for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its incorporation into the gelatin matrix for the preparation of thin nanocomposite film. Gelatin–AgNPs nanocomposite film showed enhanced UV‐shielding and antimicrobial properties, which increased the shelf life of sapodilla fruits. AgNPs incorporated gelatin nanocomposite film could prove to be an effective antimicrobial food packaging material and an efficient way to extend the post‐harvest life of food.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles: What We Know and What Do We Need to Know?

“…Moreover, the integration of AgNPs improved the mechanical and barrier properties of gelatin film. The nanocomposite films increased the shelf life of sapodilla fruits, which indicated the potential of the films for the food packaging industry, as a way of extending the shelf life of packaged food by up to 12-15 days [208]. Antioxidant and antimicrobial AgNPs synthesized by using Mussaenda frondosa leaves extract were loaded into gelatin/chitosan composite films that enhanced the shelf life of vegetables and fruits.…”

Investigation of Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties and Specification of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Derived From Cicer arietinum L. Green Leaf Extract

“…Nanoparticles are considered antimicrobial agents because they show good antibacterial properties resulting from their extensive surface area and volume that provides desired contact with the bacterial cell ( Kumar et al, 2016 ). These properties allow nanoparticles to be used in diagnostic, cell labeling, biomarker, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and water purification applications ( Mousavi et al, 2018 ; Kumari et al, 2019 ; Kowsalya et al, 2021 ).…”

Silver Nanoparticles Stable to Oxidation and Silver Ion Release Show Size-Dependent Toxicity In Vivo

“…There are over 1400 consumer and commercial products where silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are incorporated such as food packaging materials [1][2][3], waste-water treatment [4,5], topical ointments or wound healing gels [6][7][8][9][10], coatings on medical devices such as stents to prevent biofilm formation [11][12][13], paints, and anti-reflective coatings, and fabric cleaning chemicals [14][15][16]. The use of AgNPs in these applications predominantly rests on their superior antimicrobial properties [13,[17][18][19][20][21][22].…”