This paper reports the incorporation of SiO2-ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) into semi-refined iota carrageenan-based (SRIC) film as active food packaging. The dispersion of the nanoparticles was performed using a bead milling method and the films were prepared using the solution casting method. The incorporation of SiO2-ZnO NPs into SRIC films aims to provide multifunctional food packaging with enhanced water vapor barrier properties, UV-screening, and antimicrobial activity. The effect of the incorporation of SiO2 NPs, ZnO NPs, and the mixtures of SiO2-ZnO NPs varied in SiO2/ZnO ratios (SiO2-ZnO 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength, water vapor barrier performance, UV-screening, and antimicrobial activity of the SRIC film were increased by the addition of either SiO2 or ZnO NPs alone. Interestingly, when the mixtures of SiO2-ZnO were incorporated, more significant improvement was observed. Also, the bio-degradability and solubility of all the SRIC films were confirmed. It was concluded that the SiO2-ZnO NPs incorporated into SRIC film provided multifunctional activities and acted as a promising active food packaging material.
Keywords: Food packaging; Iota carrageenan; Nanocomposite film; Nanoparticles.
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