Study of antimicrobial properties of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan nanocomposite films containing original & color removal pomegranate peel extract and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 M.Sc graduate, Nano biotechnology department, Faculty of Biological sciences, Tarbiat modares university, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Nano biotechnology department, Faculty of Biological sciences, Tarbiat modares university, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Nano biotechnology department, Faculty of Biological sciences, Tarbiat modares university, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Food safety against internal and external spoilage agents is an effective strategy for preserving food resources. For this reason, global efforts have been focused on developing safe and efficient packaging. In this regard, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate biopolymers as suitable alternatives to plastic packaging. Biodegradable polymers have limitations in terms of mechanical, physical, and functional properties.
Materials & Methods: To overcome these challenges, solutions such as polymer blending, use of plant extracts, and application of nanoparticles have been proposed. In this study, a biodegradable nanocomposite film was fabricated by combining polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, and pomegranate peel extract (PPE). Based on various experiments, 5 films were synthesized through trial and error to achieve maximum antibacterial properties, and 8 samples were designed based on the proposed model.
Results: Studies showed that sample number 4 had the largest diameter of the growth inhibition zone, and accordingly, optimal concentrations were selected for the final film. The results showed that the optimized nanocomposite film made with a combination of polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and pomegranate peel extract, in addition to its desirable antibacterial and antifungal properties, has better physical and mechanical performance than the reference films. Conclusion: This film can be a suitable option for biodegradable food packaging, helping to increase the shelf life and maintain the quality of products.
Introduction: Food safety against internal and external spoilage agents is an effective strategy for preserving food resources. For this reason, global efforts have been focused on developing safe and efficient packaging. In this regard, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate biopolymers as suitable alternatives to plastic packaging. Biodegradable polymers have limitations in terms of mechanical, physical, and functional properties.
Materials & Methods: To overcome these challenges, solutions such as polymer blending, use of plant extracts, and application of nanoparticles have been proposed. In this study, a biodegradable nanocomposite film was fabricated by combining polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, and pomegranate peel extract (PPE). Based on various experiments, 5 films were synthesized through trial and error to achieve maximum antibacterial properties, and 8 samples were designed based on the proposed model.
Results: Studies showed that sample number 4 had the largest diameter of the growth inhibition zone, and accordingly, optimal concentrations were selected for the final film. The results showed that the optimized nanocomposite film made with a combination of polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and pomegranate peel extract, in addition to its desirable antibacterial and antifungal properties, has better physical and mechanical performance than the reference films. Conclusion: This film can be a suitable option for biodegradable food packaging, helping to increase the shelf life and maintain the quality of products.

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References

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Food Processing and Preservation Journal
Volume 17, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 1-22

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