Preparation and Characterization of Novel Bionanocomposite Based on Tapioca Starch/Gelatin/Nanorod-rich ZnO: Towards Finding Antimicrobial Coating for Nuts

The effects of zinc oxide nanorod on the barrier, sorption isotherm and antibacterial properties of tapioca starch/bovine gelatin bionanocomposite films were investigated. the nanorod-rich zno (zno-n) was homogenized by sonication and incorporated into tapioca starch/bovine gelatin solutions at different concentrations (e.g. 0.5, 2, and 3.5% w/w dried solid). incorporation of 3.5% of nanoparticles into tapioca starch/bovin gelatin films decreased the permeability to water vapor by 18%. the addition of low concentration zno-n to starch/gelatin solutions significantly decreased monolayer water content of the films. zno-n tapioca starch/bovin gelatin films exhibited excellent anti-microbial activity against staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli. the results showed that the bionanocomposite of zno-n has the potential to be an active packaging material in the pharmaceutical and food industries.