Development of Multifunctional Gelatin/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Films Incorporated with Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Zataria multiflora Essential Oil for Active Food Packaging
Subject Areas :Ramin Khorrami 1 , Ali Khanjari 2 * , Afshin Akhondzadeh Basti 3 , Hassan Gandomi 4 , Javier Mateo 5
1 - Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 - Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
5 - Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, Leon, Spain
Keywords: Active packaging, Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles, Essential oil.,
Abstract :
This study developed and characterized a novel, multi-functional active packaging film based on gelatin (G) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO), biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO). The objective was to create a packaging material with enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant properties to improve the preservation of fresh food. The antibacterial efficacy of ZMEO and AgNPs was evaluated by determining the Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations (MIC/MBC) against key foodborne pathogens. ZMEO exhibited potent bactericidal activity, showing greater efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus MIC=0.015%), while AgNPs were more effective against Gram-negative strains (Salmonella Typhimurium MIC=8 µg/mL). The DPPH radical scavenging assay confirmed the strong antioxidant activity of ZMEO (IC₅₀ = 115.2 µg/mL), which was successfully imparted to the films in a dose-dependent manner. The practical efficacy of the nanocomposite films was validated through a 12-day storage study on fresh chicken breast at 4°C. The optimized film (G-GO-Ag-EO0.6) significantly reduced mass loss by 42% compared to the pure gelatin control, demonstrating superior barrier properties and preservation capability. These findings indicate that the G-GO-Ag-EO0.6 nanocomposite film is a highly promising material for active food packaging applications, effectively extending shelf-life through synergistic antibacterial, antioxidant, and moisture-barrier mechanisms.