Multibranched flower-like ZnO anchored on pectin/cellulose nanofiber aerogel skeleton for enhanced comprehensive antibacterial capabilities

Carbohydr Polym. 2023 Dec 15:322:121320. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121320. Epub 2023 Aug 22.

Abstract

In this study, F-ZnO NPs were used as antibacterial agents, mussel bionic dopamine exerted its adhesive action to immobilize F-ZnO NPs on the pectin/CNF aerogel skeleton. Fruit and vegetable antimicrobial mats with safety, long duration of action and high efficiency were prepared and its potential application has been investigated. The results showed that a dopamine layer was deposited on the surface of the CNF, which promoted the tight adhesion of the F-ZnO NPs to the aerogel skeleton. The F-ZnO@D-CNF aerogel exhibited a slow release of zinc ions, with the first two days being 0.40 ± 0.16 and 1.01 ± 0.13 mg/mL. The aerogel was light, can stand on the petals without collapsing, has regular and uniform pore structure, good tensile/compressive properties and high antibacterial/anti-fungal properties. Strawberries packaged with F-ZnO@D-CNF aerogel exhibited an extended shelf life of 5 days. Additionally, the strawberries maintained a soluble solid content of 6.9 ± 0.82 % and a Vc content of 44.67 ± 3.51 mg/100 g. The weight loss, color and firmness were also notably superior to the other four groups. The final concentration of zinc ions in strawberries was 3.71 ± 0.28 μg/g, which is far below the recommended dietary intake.

Keywords: Antibacterial activity; Bio-aerogel; Flower-like ZnO; Marine mussel; Strawberries.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Cellulose
  • Dopamine
  • Ions
  • Nanofibers*
  • Pectins / pharmacology
  • Skeleton
  • Zinc
  • Zinc Oxide* / chemistry
  • Zinc Oxide* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Zinc Oxide
  • Pectins
  • Cellulose
  • Dopamine
  • Zinc
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ions