Development of nystatin‐based antifungal, biodegradable polymer composite materials for food packaging via. Melt processing approach

Abstract Novel bio‐based, biodegradable packaging material was developed with multi‐functional properties of good mechanical strength, potent biocompatibility, and antifungal attributes, predominantly against fungi vital in food spoilage. Biodegradable polymer composites were prepared a natural agent, nystatin (Nyst), by melt processing technique for the first time. Initially, Polycaprolactone (PCL) melt‐mixed various percentages to produce nystatin‐encapsulated PCL (PCL/Nyst). The as‐prepared PCL/Nyst polylactic acid (PLA) PLA/PCL blend composites. Subsequently, compression molded form films (1 mm) further characterization. composite's structural evaluated SEM, FTIR, thermal studies. In addition, tested vitro panel pathogenic antibiofilm specifically three Candida species ( C. albicans ATCC10231, parapsilosis ATCC22019, glabrata ATCC2001), foodborne Penicillium sp. All containing 2 20 wt% displayed activity sustained release up 4 days. Thus, overall study demonstrates potential application agents polymers novel composite antimicrobial without inducing any toxicity, judged from toxicity assay using nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.