Production and characterization of antimicrobial nanocomposite film based on Plantago major seed gum/carboxymethyl cellulose reinforced by Cerium oxide nanoparticles and Fenugreek essential oil

This study aimed to produce Plantago major seed gum (PMSG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) antimicrobial nanocomposite film by adding Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) (2.5 and 5%W/W) as reinforcing additive and Fenugreek seed essential oil (FSEO) (4 and 8%W/W) as a bioactive agent. The nanocomposite films were prepared by casting method, and moisture content, moisture absorption, opacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant properties of them were examined. FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and TGA tests were carried out to study the morphology, crystalline structure, and thermal stability of films, respectively. Moreover, mechanical properties, for instance, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and thickness of the films, were measured. The results indicated that adding CeO 2 NPs improved the mechanical properties and formed new crystalline structures on the nanocomposite films. The inclusion of 5% CeO 2 NPs and 8% FSEO had a significant reduction in moisture content and moisture absorption ( p 0.05). However, adding CeO 2 NPs and FSEO caused a significant effect on antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were obtained by the film containing 2.5% CeO 2 NPs and 8% FSEO. The results showed that the TS was decreased by adding FSEO, and it increased by adding CeO 2 NPs, especially at higher concentrations. EB was significantly affected by the addition of CeO 2 NPs and FSEO, EB was enhanced by the addition of FSEO, and was reduced by the addition of CeO 2 NPs. Instrumental analysis FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and TGA tests showed high potential of PMSG/CMC-based nanocomposite reinforced by CeO 2 NPs and FSEO for food packaging technology.