Development and characterization of carrageenan/nanocellulose/silver nanoparticles bionanocomposite film from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed for food packaging
Syafiqah Syazwani Jaffar, Suryani Saallah, Mailin Misson, Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee, Jumardi Roslan, I. Wuled Lenggoro
Abstract
This study focuses on developing seaweed-based bionanocomposite films using carrageenan (Cr) as the matrix with nanocellulose (NC) as reinforcing material and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antimicrobial agent, all sourced from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed. The Cr/NC/AgNPs bionanocomposite films were created using a solvent casting technique and comprehensively characterized to assess their suitability for food packaging applications. The addition of NC and AgNPs significantly improved the mechanical properties, with a maximum load of 16.73 N, tensile strength of 6.81 MPa, elastic modulus of 32.18 MPa, and elongation at break of 18.73 %. The films exhibited excellent optical properties and enhanced moisture barrier performance, with a water vapor transmission rate of 5.62 g/m 2 d, moisture content of 11.09 %, moisture uptake of 85.98 %, and water solubility of 47.7 %. Thermal analysis showed improved stability, with decomposition temperatures up to 282 °C. The films biodegraded completely within 15 days. Storage tests on bread as a food model demonstrated the films' antimicrobial efficacy, preventing mold growth for one month. Silver ion migration (0.013 μg/g) was well below the safety limit (0.05 μg/g). These results highlight the potential of Cr/NC/AgNPs bionanocomposite films as sustainable, functional materials for food packaging.