Bionanocomposites: a novel alternative for food preservation

Abstract

The bionanocomposites are an emerging alternative
to a new era of materials with excellent mechanical properties,
thermal, gas permeability and moisture, but above all,
biodegradable and bio compatible. In this research, packaging
synthesis was studied from graphene chitosan (CFGO)
oxide nanocomposites and its potential application in
the food packaging industry. Nanocomposites were prepared
by a thermal cross linking reaction between chitosan
and graphene oxide at 120 ° C. The mechanical properties
of the films obtained were studied, where it was observed
that the mechanical strength increased from 1.2 to 22.7 ±
6471.6 ± 1775.5 MPa when 0.1% of GO was added to the
films. Similarly, the increased stability of the packaging
was evidenced by the increase in thermal stability, as evidenced
in the gradual increase in glass transition temperature
(Tg) with increasing the GO. Finally, the antimicrobial
properties of the films were evaluated against E. coli K-12
MG 1655 (Gram-negative) and B. subtilis 102 (Gram-positive).
The CF-GO sheet with 0.6% had the highest inhibition
against E. coli and B. subtilis, with 22.86% and 54.93% inhibition,
respectively. Thus, the addition of GO within the
films significantly increased the thermal and mechanical
stability and added antimicrobial properties, which makes
the use of these films in food preservation industry have a
great prospect.