High-Barrier and Light–protective Bionanocomposite Film Based on Rye Starch/nanorod-ZnO for Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

Improving food quality, nutritional value and biodegradability are the reasons for developing edible films. Fine-dispersed starch-based nanobiocomposites were provided by adding nanorod-ZnO as fillers to aqueous starch. In this work, the impact of ZnO nanorod (ZnO-N) filler on the barrier properties and UV transmission of biofilms based on rye starch was studied.The solutions containing nanoadditives were homogenized by ultrasound waves and embedded in rye starch at various levels(1 - 5% w/w dried solid). Starch films were prepared by casting method with nanoparticles and plasticizers. Biofilms containing 5% ZnO-N had 0% UV transmittance. Active films were able to absorb Near Infrared spectra. After applying ZnO-N to the bionanocomposite film no new bond has emerged. Regarding barrier characterization, rye starch film with 5% ZnO-N showed better barrier properties than neat films, mainly by the gravimetric method, starch films containing 5% ZnO-N and control samples were 1.6 ± 0.02 and 1.18± 0.01 g/mPah, respectively.