Preparation, characterization and antibacterial applications of ZnO-nanoparticles coated polyethylene films for food packaging

The present work describes the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles loaded starch-coated polyethylene film. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ZnO loaded film was tested for its biocidal action against model bacteria Escherichia coli using zone inhibition and killing kinetics of bacterial growth methods. This newly developed material bears potential to be used as food packaging material to prevent food stuff from bacterial contamination.

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► Polyethylene films have excellent mechanical strength and moisture barrier properties.
► Use of polyethylene based films can make an appreciable contribution towards fighting against environmental hazards.
► In addition, use of ZnO nanoparticles as antimicrobial agent, makes these films more eco-friendly, thus, these films can be used as antibacterial food packaging material.