Antimicrobial, rheological, and physicochemical properties of sago starch films filled with nanorod-rich zinc oxide

► Incorporation of nanorod zinc oxide (ZnO-N) in sago starch films as biodegradable packaging. ► Antimicrobial activity of ZnO-N on bionanocomposites. ► UV absorbent capacity (up to 100%) of ZnO-N in low concentration. ► Improvement of barrier properties and hydrophobicity of bionanocomposites.