abstract
Homogeneous, glossy and transparent nanocomposite films composed of pullulan (PL) and lysozyme nanofibers (LNFs) were developed by simple solvent casting from aqueous suspensions. The incorporation of LNFs into the PL matrix maintained the filmogenic ability of PL and endowed the nanocomposite films with good mechanical properties (Young's modulus = 1.91-2.50 GPa) and several functionalities, confirming the potential of LNFs as bioactive reinforcing elements for nanocomposites. The set of pliable films exhibits thermal stability up to 225 degrees C and maximum antioxidant activity around 77% (DPPH scavenging activity) for the film with the highest LNFs content (15.0 wt%). The antibacterial activity of the ensuing nanocomposite films towards Staphylococcus aureus, viz. lysozyme-resistant bacteria, was assessed, and the data show augmented antibacterial effectiveness with increasing content of nanofibers. These promising results show the potential of PL/LNFs nanocomposites as eco-friendly edible films for active packaging. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
keywords
EGG-WHITE LYSOZYME; PEPTIDOGLYCAN O-ACETYLTRANSFERASE; STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS; AMYLOID FIBRILS; BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS; NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS; FOODBORNE PATHOGENS; TRANSPARENT FILMS; RESISTANCE; CELLULOSE
subject category
Chemistry; Food Science & Technology
authors
Silva, NHCS; Vilela, C; Almeida, A; Marrucho, IM; Freire, CSR
our authors
Carla Vilela
Assistant Professor
Carmen Sofia da Rocha Freire Barros
Coordinating Researcher
Isabel Maria Delgado Jana Marrucho Ferreira
Full professor
Nuno Helder da Cruz Simões Silva
Researcheracknowledgements
This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007679 (FCT Ref. UID/CTM/50011/2013), CESAM unit (project Pest-C/MAR/LA0017/2013), CQE (FCT Ref UID/QUI/00100/2013) and Green-IT (FCT Ref. UID/Multi/04551/2013) financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC and when appropriate co-financed by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. The Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is also acknowledged for the doctoral and post-doctoral grants to N.H.C.S. Silva (SFRH/BD/85690/2012) and C. Vilela (SFRH/BPD/84168/2012), respectively, and contract under Investigador FCT to C.S.R. Freire (IF/01407/2012).