Chitosan-based nanocomposite films incorporated with NiO nanoparticles: Physicochemical, photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties

The aim of this research was to fabricate active nanocomposite films by incorporation of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) (3, 6 and 9% w/w) into the chitosan-based films. The NiONPs were synthesized by solution combustion method and the films were prepared by solvent casting method. The formation of new interactions and increasing of films' crystallinity were confirmed by FT-IR and XRD analyses. Uniform dispersion of NiONPs at lower concentrations and their aggregation at level of 9% was confirmed by FE-SEM observations. Water barrier properties, tensile strength, thermal properties and surface hydrophobicity of films enhanced by addition of 6% NiONPs. Photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites was confirmed by absorption of 72% of methyl orange during 270 min under UV irradiation. The nanocomposite films exhibited good antibacterial activity against gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (S. typhimurium) bacteria. Therefore, the chitosan-NiONPs nanocomposite films could be used for active food packaging applications and photodecolorization purposes. [Display omitted] •Chitosan/NiONPs nanocomposite films were prepared by incorporating 3–9% synthesized NiONPs.•Incorporation of NiONPs improved thermal stability and crystallinity of chitosan films.•Large aggregates were observed at morphology of films containing high amounts of NPs.•Strong antimicrobial activity was observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.•Good photocatalytic activity of films was approved by more than 72% dye absorption capacity.