Journal of Polymers and the Environment, cilt.32, sa.10, ss.4925-4944, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
This study aimed was to develop a wheat gluten nanocomposite film based on quercetin nanoliposomes (NL) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), to examin the effects of quercetin nanoliposome (0, 5, 10% v/v) and ZnONPs (0, 3, 6% w/w) using the response surface method with a central composite design. After selecting optimal samples, an assessment of the structural properties of the nanocomposite was conducted. The findings showed that adding NL and ZnONPs led to an increase in sample thickness, Water Vapor Permeability, and antioxidant capacity. Moisture and solubility were decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, increased L*, b*and C* indices with increasing levels of ZnONPs and NL. Conversely, higher levels of NL led to a reduction in a* index. Notably, the presence of ZnONPs did not significantly affect this parameter. Moreover, introducing ZnONPs and NL led to an enhancement in both the tensile strength and elongation at the breaking point of samples (P ≤ 0.05). The FTIR results indicate electrostatic interaction between wheat gluten, NL, and ZnONPs. XRD images illustrated a reduction in the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite film containing NL and ZnONPs. The DSC results of the film containing NL and ZnONPs exhibited better thermal stability than the control sample. SEM results indicated that the addition of NL and ZnONPs led to more cohesive particle, along with a reduction in the size of cracks and pores. The results show the high antimicrobial activity of the film against S. aureus and E. coli.