MgONP/Chitin nanowhisker-based hybrid filler bound soy protein thin films for bioactive packaging applications

Biogenic active packaging materials are on amplified demand owing to environmental concerns. Materials with enhanced properties and stability are still challenging. Bearing in mind these facts, here we are proposing an active soy protein isolate (SPI)-based packaging film comprising magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NP) and chitin nanowhisker (CNW), to address this demand. The sol-gel method was employed in the synthesis of MgO NP and an average particle size of 26.57 nm was obtained. Highly crystalline CNW having dimensions between 5 and 9 nm was synthesised using the steam explosion technique. SPI bio-nanocomposite film reinforced with the as-synthesised MgO NP and CNW exhibited high thermal stability, water barrier property and antibacterial activity. The enhancement in the properties is due to the interaction between polar groups of SPI with the hybrid as confirmed by FTIR studies. The prepared nanocomposite film has the potential to be used as bioactive packaging material.