Gelatin/cellulose nanofiber-based functional films added with mushroom-mediated sulfur nanoparticles for active packaging applications
Swarup Roy, Jong‐Whan Rhim
Abstract
Enoki mushroom-mediated sulfur nanoparticles (SNP) were developed using a facile acid hydrolysis process. Enoki mushroom extract was applied as a natural stabilizing agent for SNPs. The capped SNPs showed good dispersion and stability in an aqueous solution. Enoki mushroom extract-capped SNPs were ~ 20 nm in size and approximately spherical. The XPS and FTIR analysis confirmed that mushroom extract successfully capped SNPs. The SNPs were used to fabricate the gelatin/cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based binary functional film. The mixing of SNPs pointedly enhanced the mechanical and UV-protective properties of the film. However, the inclusion of SNPs did not meaningfully change the film's other physical properties. The SNP-added nanocomposite film displayed strong antibacterial action toward foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The gelatin/CNF-based functional films are expected to be used in active packaging applications. Graphical abstract