title: Fabrication and characterization of novel semolina-based antimicrobial films derived from the combination of ZnO nanorods and nanokaolin.
abstract: This study aimed to provide novel biopolymer-based antimicrobial films as food packaging that may assist in reducing environmental pollution caused by the accumulation of synthetic food packaging. The blend of ZnO nanorods (ZnO-nr) and nanokaolin in different ratios (1:4, 2:3, 3:2 and 4:1) was incorporated into semolina, and nanocomposite films were prepared using solvent casting. The resulting films were characterized through field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical, optical, physical, and antimicrobial properties of the films were also analyzed. The water vapor permeability of the films decreased with increasing ZnO-nr percentage, but their tensile strength and modulus of elasticity increased with increasing nanokaolin percentage. The UV transmittance of the semolina films were greatly influenced by an increase in the amount of ZnO-nr. The addition of ZnO-nr: nanokaolin at all ratios (except 1:4) into semolina reduced UV transmission to almost 0%. Furthermore, the ZnO-nr/nanokaolin/semolina films exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus. These properties suggest that the combination of ZnO-nr and nanokaolin are potential fillers in semolina-based films to be used as active packaging for food and pharmaceuticals.
authors.affiliation: Food Biopolymer Research Group, Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang Malaysia.
authors.forename: Shima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jafarzadeh
authors.affiliation: Food Biopolymer Research Group, Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang Malaysia.
authors.forename: Abd Karim
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Alias
authors.affiliation: Food Biopolymer Research Group, Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang Malaysia.
authors.forename: Fazilah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ariffin
authors.affiliation: Nano Optoelectronic Research (NOR) Lab, School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang Malaysia.
authors.forename: Shahrom
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahmud
authors.affiliation: Food Biopolymer Research Group, Food Science and Technology Department, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Semanan Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Najafi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nutrition (INMU), Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon 4 Rd., Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand.
authors.forename: Mehraj
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmad
keywords: Antimicrobial activity; Biodegradable packaging; Nano kaolin; UV transmittance; Zinc oxide nano rod