The use of biodegradable materials in food packaging has gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. In this study, calcium chloride-loaded nanofilms were developed using sodium alginate (NaAlg) as the primary polymer matrix, with chitosan (Ch) added at varying concentrations, resulting in three formulations (NF1–NF3). The films were further reinforced with bimetallic ZnO@MgO nanoparticles to enhance functionality. Comprehensive characterization was conducted to evaluate structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties. FTIR analysis confirmed strong interactions between NaAlg and Ch, indicating successful formation of a blended polymer network, while characteristic bands verified nanoparticle incorporation. SEM observations showed that increasing chitosan content resulted in denser, rougher film surfaces, suggesting enhanced intermolecular interactions. Thermal analysis demonstrated improved stability of the nanofilms compared to neat polymers, likely due to crosslinking effects and the presence of inorganic nanoparticles. Mechanical testing revealed enhanced tensile properties across all formulations compared with pure alginate films. Biocompatibility assessment using Vero and Wi-38 cell lines confirmed low cytotoxicity, with cell viability remaining above safe limits. Antimicrobial activity significantly increased with higher chitosan and nanoparticle content, with NF3 showing the strongest inhibition against the tested microorganisms. Additionally, antioxidant activity improved progressively, reaching 87.50% in NF3. Moreover, biodegradation of the formulated films in soil was rapid. Calcium and bimetallic ion migration test exhibited controlled release in the food simulation system. In conclusion, the developed alginate–chitosan nanofilms reinforced with ZnO@MgONPs exhibited enhanced physicochemical, mechanical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, highlighting their strong potential as safe and effective biodegradable materials for active food packaging applications.
S. Selim, S. Al-Mijalli, A. Hashem et al.· RSC Advances· 0 citations
Environmental issues associated with the excessive use of chemical substances have received increasing attention globally, particularly regarding their effects on non-target/beneficial insects such as pollinators. To overcome such drawbacks, alternative control methods are being increasingly evaluated. A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of two Indian biopesticidal isolates against the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, on rapeseed crops and to investigate their potential risks to the pollinator honeybee, Apis cerana. Laboratory bioassays showed that Beauveria bassiana AS-4220 was the most effective material against L. erysimi after 24 h (LC50 = 95.5 ppm); however, neem seed oil was the most toxic to A. cerana after the same time interval (LC50 = 185.4 ppm). The highest reduction in the aphid population under field conditions was observed with B. bassiana AS-4220 at 3 × 108 spores mL− 1 ten days after field treatment (71.9%), followed by B. bassiana AS-4220 at 2 × 108 spores mL−1 ten days after field treatment (70.7%). The highest PT (persistent toxicity index) and RPT (relative persistent toxicity) values were observed for B. bassiana at 3 × 108 spores mL− 1 (799.98 and 1.06, respectively). The benefit: cost ratio among the treatments was highest for B. bassiana at 3 × 108 spores mL− 1 (4.90:1). However, the highest honeybee mortality was observed following treatment with neem seed oil at 3 mL L− 1 and B. bassiana at 3 × 108 spores mL− 1 ten days of treatment (100%). No significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed in honeybees 24 h after treatment. The study demonstrates that entomopathogenic fungi effectively control L. erysimi while posing some risk to A. cerana, particularly at higher concentrations, necessitating careful timing of application . Therefore, these treatments may be used to manage L. erysimi in rapeseed crops while minimizing effects on A. cerana bees, provided that application is scheduled during periods of low foraging activity.
Abhinandan Yadav, A. Devee, Ataur Rahman et al.· Scientific Reports· 0 citations
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