Performance evaluation of cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite film for tomatoes packaging

Abstract

Biodegradable nanocomposite films are novel materials for food packaging because of their potential to extend the shelf life of food. In this research, the performance of cassava starch-zincnanocomposite film was evaluated for tomatoes packaging. The films were developed by casting the solutions of 24 g cassava starch, 0-2% (w/w) zinc nanoparticles and 55% (w/w) glycerol in plastic mould of 12 mm depth. The permeability of the films, due to water and oxygen, was investigated at 27°C and 65% relative humidity while the mechanical properties were determined by nanoindentation technique. The average thickness of the dried nanocomposite films was found to be 17±0.13 µm. The performances of films for tomatoes packaging was evaluated in comparison with low density polyethylene (LDPE; 10 µm) at the temperature and period ranges of 10-27°C and 0-9 days, respectively. The quality and microbial attributes of the packaged tomatoes, including ascorbic acid, β-carotene and total coliform were analysed at an interval of 3 days. The results revealed that the water vapour permeability increased while the oxygen permeability decreased with the nanoparticles (P<0.05). The hardness, creep, elastic and plastic works, which determined the plasticity index of the film, decreased generally with the nanoparticles. The films containing 1 and 2% of the nanoparticles suppressed the growth of microorganisms and retained the quality of tomatoes than the LDPE at 27°C and day-9 of packaging (P<0.05). The results implied that the film could effectively be used for tomatoes packaging due to their lower oxygen permeability, hardness, elastic and plastic works.

Effect of Nano-SiOx/Chitosan Complex Coating on the Physicochemical Characteristics and Preservation Performance of Green Tomato

“…Concerning tomatoes as highly used fruit on a daily basis, very few such nano-coating films have been developed. For instance, Adeshina Fadeyibi and coworkers developed cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite film for providing barrier and mechanical attributes, and thus improved fresh tomatoes quality during storage [18]. Moreover, Patinya Kaewklin and coworkers claimed that chitosan-containing nano-sized titanium dioxide exhibited ethylene photodegradation activity under UV light and consequently delayed the ripening progress of green cherry tomatoes [19].…”

Potentials of zinc and magnetite nanoparticles for contaminated water treatment

“…As observed by Fadeyibi et al (2017) and Haritha et al (2011), zinc nanoparticles have received significant attention due to their unique antifungal, antibacterial, ultraviolet filtering properties, and high photochemical and catalytic activities. The antibacterial activity performances of zinc nanoparticles against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli have been studied by Haritha et al (2011).…”

“…Application of some readily abundant nano-metal ions in contaminated water treatment can greatly influence water quality (Addleman et al, 2005;Fadeyibi et al, 2017). Research is on-going to apply zinc and magnetite nanoparticles in the removal chemical contaminates and microorganisms from contaminated water.…”

“…Research is on-going to apply zinc and magnetite nanoparticles in the removal chemical contaminates and microorganisms from contaminated water. According to Fadeyibi et al (2017) and Chen et al (1998), zinc and magnetite nanoparticles exhibit anticorrosive, antibacterial, antifungal and ultra-violet filtering behaviors; and these have often helped in treating contaminated water via nanotechnology. Synthesis of zinc and magnetite nanoparticles used in coagulating suspended solids and removing impurities from contaminated water have been reported (Glushchenko and Skalny, 2010).…”

Properties of Starch/Carrageenan Blend Biocomposite with Nanoclay Reinforcement

“…However, the wide application of starch-based bioplastics has been limited due to their brittleness, poor mechanical properties, moisture sensitivity [14], and poor processability in conventional industrial equipment [15]. The attractive approaches have been developed for overcoming the poor mechanical properties of starch was produce starch composite reinforced with reinforcement such as natural fibers [15], Zinc nanoparticle [16], chitosan [17], and nanoclay [18]. More recently, most of the studies have been a focus on layered silicates of nanoclay, as the phase reinforcement due to versatility and large availability as well as the wide interface surface area triggering the strong interaction to the polymer matrix.…”