Waste fish scale for the preparation of bio-nanocomposite film with novel properties

The aim of this work was to study utilization of waste fish scales to develop a bio-nanocomposite films with corn starch, embedded with ZnO nanoparticles and turmeric as an alternative to synthetic plastics films to pack the food. Four different types of bio-nanocomposite films were prepared using varying amounts of fish scale powder and corn starch. The films were examined for their physical and chemical characteristics, including texture, color, solubility in hot water, tensile strength, organic content, and shape. The films were characterized by FTIR, UV–Vis spectrophotometry and SEM. The developed bio-nanocomposite films demonstrated enhanced water barrier, mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The unique features of the bio-nanocomposite with pH indication property demonstrated their potential usage in food packaging applications. Overall, bio-nanocomposite film showed reduced spoilage and increased shelf-life. The results could be of great relevance for the sustainable utilization of waste fish scale and replacement of synthetic polymers films for food packaging as an alternative with environmental sustainability. [Display omitted] •Waste fish scales used to develop bio-nanocomposite film from fish scales.•Films were water resistant with good UV-light barrier properties.•Good strength and stability of the films as packaging material.•Films showed pH sensing and antimicrobial properties.•Microbial barrier ability made the film suitable for packaging foods.