Augmented barrier properties of poly (lactic acid) composite packaging film reinforced by antibacterial hybrid bio-filler: Extending the shelf life of fruits

Abstract

This work investigates the construction of biodegradable packaging film based on polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with a novel antibacterial hybrid nanofiller to improve barrier and mechanical properties. The study focuses on incorporating silver-ingrained silica particles (Ag-In-Si) into PLA matrix to prepare the packaging film (Ag-In-SiPLA) that has superior antibacterial, and barrier property with negligible oxygen and water vapour penetration. The Ag was synthesized using natural neem leaf extract as a reducing agent. To ingrain silver over rice husk silica (Si) an in situ technique was adopted. Hence called Ag-In-Si bio-filler. The Ag-In-SiPLA films were fabricated using melt blending and sheet extrusion methods by means of a micro-compounder. The addition of rice husk silica served the purpose of cost-effectiveness of the packaging film along with the enhancement of the oxygen and water barrier properties of the films. The optimized sample (PLA loaded with 3% Ag-In-Si), exhibited optimum transparency, moisture resistance, and barrier properties compared with control PLA film. The experiments on Muntingia calabura (Jamaica cherry) preservation have verified the remarkable effectiveness of Ag-In-SiPLA films in preserving their quality for an extended period. These biodegradable packaging films, composed of food-grade materials and sustainable ingredients, have the potential to provide a compostable and environmentally friendly solution for various packaging applications. This research shed light on the antibacterial Ag-In-SiPLA film as a long-term, high-performance fruit packaging solution.