Effect of biosynthesized ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles on bacterial cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol films for strawberry preservation

Although bacterial cellulose-polyvinyl alcohol (BC-PVA) films exhibit a range of advantages such as enhanced elasticity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability, they still face several challenges, particularly in antibacterial performance. This drawback can hinder BC-PVA films to access to food packaging and preservation fields. The present study aimed to improve antibacterial performance of an active packaging film composed of BC-PVA films by incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) such as ZnO and Ag/ZnO biosynthesized using Eclipta prostrata (EP) plant extract. The results revealed the significant effect of ZnONPs and Ag/ZnONPs on the microstructure, water solubility, mechanical, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability and antibacterial activity of BC-PVA composite films. The BC-PVA-Ag/ZnONP films possessed superior mechanical strength, reduced water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability compared to BC-PVA films. These composite films also displayed enhanced antimicrobial activity against both Gram-( +) and Gram-(−) bacteria. For packaging fresh strawberries, the BC-PVA-Ag/ZnONP films helped to extend shelf life, demonstrating their potential for various applications in active packaging field.