The Preparation and Characterization of Quantum Dots in Polysaccharide Carriers (Starch/Chitosan) as Elements of Smart Packaging and Their Impact on the Growth of Microorganisms in Food

Abstract

Nanocomposite materials are increasingly commonly used to ensure food safety and quality. Thanks to their unique properties, stemming from the presence of nanoparticles, they are used to develop advanced sensors and biosensors, e.g., for various harmful substances, heavy metals, microorganism growth, and environmental changes in food products. The aim of this study is to produce novel films based on natural resources—potato starch and chitosan—incorporating generated quantum dots of zinc sulfide and cadmium sulfide. The biocomposites were subjected to the following assays: FTIR spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and SEM/TEM spectroscopy. Their mechanical properties were also analyzed, a colorimetric analysis was performed, and the water content, solubility, and water absorption capacity were determined. A storage test was also performed, using poultry meat covered with the produced films, to assess the microbiological quality. The results confirmed the presence of the quantum dots in the starch–chitosan matrix. The unique optical properties of the films were also demonstrated. It was shown that the composites with nanoparticles limited the growth of selected microorganisms in poultry meat. The food storage time was found to have an impact on the fluorescent properties of the composites. The results point to the possibility of using the produced films as active and smart packaging.

Applications of Quantum Dots in the Food Industry

“…They performed a storage experiment using poultry meat coated with films produced to assess microbiological quality. The results showed that composites restrict the growth of selected microorganisms in poultry meat [73]. Priyadarshi et al used sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) as functional fillers for biopolymer films in food packaging.…”

Polysaccharides Composite Materials as Carbon Nanoparticles Carrier

“…This makes the materials produced on their basis have a very wide range of applications. Depending on their origin, polysaccharides have various properties—antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral (including HIV), antimutagenic, anticancer and anticoagulant [ 101 , 102 , 103 ].…”

The Functional and Application Possibilities of Starch/Chitosan Polymer Composites Modified by Graphene Oxide

“…The addition of antimicrobial substances would prevent spoilage of biodegradable packaging while also protecting the packaged product. Numerous studies have confirmed that this direction is absolutely right [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Depending on the origin, polymers may exhibit many other desirable attributes, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. As a consequence, materials produced on this basis have a very wide range of applications [ 8 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”