Biodegradable Chitosan Films with ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Food Industry By-Products—Production and Characterization

This work aimed to produce bionanocomposites of chitosan incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using food industry by-products and characterize them. Such are highlighted due their low cost, antimicrobial activity, accessibility, sustainability synthesis. Four different levels ZnO NPs (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0% w/w chitosan) were tested, the characterized in terms hydrophobicity, mechanical, optical, barrier properties. Overall, incorporation changed composites from brittle ductile, enhanced elongation at break reduced Young Modulus tensile strength. Thus, acted as plasticizer, turning films more flexible, presence organic compounds on NPs. also favored permeability oxygen water vapor, but good properties maintained. Optical did not change statistically incorporation. characterization presented this paper may contribute support a decision choice material’s final application.