Bionanocomposite films of agar incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles as an active packaging material for shelf life extension of green grape

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized by green protocol using Mimusops elengi fruit extract as a novel natural resource. The synthesized particles were polyhedral (mostly hexagonal) in shape between 14 - 48 nm with an average size of 24.75 ± 0.78 nm. Nano zinc oxide (ZnO) at concentrations of 2% (w/w) and 4% (w/w), were incorporated into agar matrix. Solution casting method was used to fabricate the bionanocomposite films with ZnONPs in agar. Surface morphology, particle size, crystallinity, thermal stability and functional groups were determined using SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA and FTIR, respectively. Loading of ZnONPs in composite films improved thermal stability, elongation and film thickness, whereas tensile strength and transparency decreased. The films were used for packaging of green grapes, and appearance of the fruit was observed during ambient storage. Grapes packaged in composite films showed fresh appearance up to 14 and 21 days in ambient conditions for 2% (w/w) and 4% (w/w) ZnONPs in films, respectively. The results showed the potential of the fabricated agar-ZnO nanocomposite film as a promising packaging material to enhance postharvest shelf-life of fresh fruits like green grapes.