Development and structural characterization of novel biomaterial polymeric films based on the mucilage extracted from Salvia mirzayanii seed gum incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles

This research aimed to produce packaging biomaterial films using the carbohydrate mucilage extracted from Salvia mirzayanii seed gum (SMSG) and to investigate the influence of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on various characteristics of the biopolymer films. The carbohydrate magnitude of the extracted mucilage from SMSG was estimated at 82.26%. Adding the ZnONPs increased water solubility, moisture content, ultimate tensile strength, and reduced permeability to water vapor. The incorporation of the ZnONPs altered the color factors and the transmission of light. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved new hydrogen bonds establishment between the ZnONPs and the biopolymer. By raising the ZnONPs concentration, the glass transition temperature and storage modulus climbed. Morphological assessments illustrated that the ZnONPs were evenly distributed in the biopolymers. The nano-biopolymer films showed appropriate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, suitable antifungal activity was observed in the preservation of wheat bread wrapped in the films with the ZnONPs during storage for 12 days. In sum, the gum-based biomaterial films containing the ZnONPs have promising applications in the food packaging industries.