The characterization and antimicrobial activity of nanocompozite films produced with Kitosan/Quince seed musilage

In this study, the characterization and antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite films produced with chitosan and quince seed mucilage containing ZnO-NP were investigated. Edible films, together with the control group (Chitosan), Chitosan+Quince seed mucilage (K+A), Chitosan + 1%ZnO-NP (K+C), Chitosan+Quince seed mucilage+ 1% ZnO-NP(K+A+C) Produced in 4 groups. The thickness, moisture content and water holding capacity of the produced nanocomposite edible films were investigated. The films were characterized by FT-IR, SEM and DSC analyzes and examined for antimicrobial activity. The research was carried out in two replications. According to the analysis results; It was determined that the addition of ZnO-NP did not have a significant effect on the thickness of the produced nanocomposite films (p>0.05), but reduced the moisture content of the films (p<0.05). FTIR spectra showed interaction between ZnO NPs and N-H quince seed mucilage, chitosan groups. Nanocomposite films containing ZnO NP exhibited improved thermal stability. After the addition of quince seed mucilage and ZnO-NP, it was observed that the homogeneous and smooth structure of the chitosan film deteriorated. In addition, Chitosan and ZnO-NPs were found to have antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 7644) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 35150) ), while quince seed mucilage did not show antibacterial performance. As a result, the produced nanocomposite films have shown significant potential for food packaging. In particular, films containing ZnO-NP can be used as an active food packaging material for food preservation by controlling foodborne pathogens.