Preparation and Evaluation of Polyethylene Films Containing Chitosan, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, and Caffeine with Simultaneous Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties for Food Packaging

Kiyasat, Ali Reza; Noor Bakhsh, Kazem

doi:10.22036/cr.2025.513811.1270

Preparation and Evaluation of Polyethylene Films Containing Chitosan, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, and Caffeine with Simultaneous Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties for Food Packaging

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ali Reza Kiyasat

Kazem Noor Bakhsh

10.22036/cr.2025.513811.1270

Abstract

In this study, the production and evaluation of modified linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films for food and health packaging applications have been investigated. Given the need to improve biological performance and enhance packaging safety, masterbatches containing chitosan, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO), and caffeine have been added to maleic anhydride-grafted linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE-g-MAH) to examine their effects on the antibacterial, antioxidant, and mechanical properties of the produced films. The results showed that the addition of these bioactive materials to the polymer structure led to a significant increase in film resistance against microorganism growth and enhancement of their antioxidant capacity. This structural modification will result in increased shelf life of packaged products and reduced probability of food spoilage. Furthermore, examination of physical and mechanical properties demonstrated that the use of these additives at appropriate concentrations, without creating negative effects on tensile strength and flexibility, enables the production of films with optimal and stable performance. This research can be an effective step in developing bioactive polymer films with optimal characteristics for safe and sustainable applications in packaging industries and contribute to reducing food waste and improving food storage quality.

Keywords

antioxidant properties

antibacterial properties

caffeine

chitosan

zinc oxide nanoparticles

Subjects