title: Preparation and characterization of agar-based nanocomposite films reinforced with bimetallic (Ag-Cu) alloy nanoparticles.
abstract: Agar-based active nanocomposite films were prepared by incorporating silver-copper (Ag-Cu) alloy nanoparticles (NPs) (0.5-4wt%) into glycerol plasticized agar solution. Thermo-mechanical, morphological, structural, and optical properties of the nanocomposite films were characterized by texture analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and surface color measurement. Tensile strength and the melting temperature of the film increased linearly with NPs loading concentration. Color, transparency and UV barrier properties of agar films were influenced by the reinforcement of Ag-Cu NPs. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the Agar/Ag-Cu nanocomposite films, whereas the smoothness and the homogeneity of film surface strongly reduced as observed through the SEM. The nanocomposite films exhibited a profound antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (Salmonella enterica sv typhimurium) bacteria. Overall, the agar nanocomposite films could be used as packaging material for food preservation by controlling foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria.
authors.affiliation: Food and Nutrition Program, Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Yasir Ali
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Arfat
authors.affiliation: Food and Nutrition Program, Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait. Electronic address: jahmed2k@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Jasim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Food and Nutrition Program, Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Harsha
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jacob
mesh_terms: D000362:Agar; D000497:Alloys; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003300:Copper; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000187:drug effects; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles; D053761:Nanocomposites; D012486:Salmonella typhimurium / Q000187:drug effects; D012834:Silver
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012834:Silver; D003300:Copper; D000362:Agar
keywords: Active packaging; Agar; Bimetallic nanoparticles; Nanobiocomposite film; Oxygen barrier; Thermal properties