Fabrication of CuO nanoparticles embedded novel chitosan/hydroxypropyl cellulose bio-nanocomposites for active packaging of jamun fruit

The study herein was intended to develop CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) embedded in chitosan (CS) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) based bio-nanocomposites with improved functional properties to prolong the shelf life of fruits using eco-friendly solvent casting technique. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed hydrogen bonding interactions between the CS, HPC and CuO NPs. The homogeneity of the CuO NPs distributed bio-nanocomposites was verified by SEM images with minimum aggregations. Bio-nanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties (tensile strength of 33 MPa) with excellent UV-light blocking ability (4% of %transmittance at 360 nm and 20% transparency at 600 nm), also, a significant decrease in moisture adsorption (5.27%), water vapour permeability (2.47%), oxygen permeability (1.39%), and biodegradability (12.58%) compared to control CS/HPC blend film. Furthermore, CuO NPs induced CS/HPC bio-nanocomposites exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against B. subtilis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and C. albicans as well as antioxidant properties. Moreover, 0.8% of CuO NPs embedded in CS/HPC bio-nanocomposite film extended the shelf life of packed jamun fruits confirming the potential of prepared bio-nanocomposites to serve as an active food packaging material. [Display omitted] •Multifunctional CS/HPC/CuO bio-nanocomposites were synthesized by casting method.•CuO NPs enhanced mechanical and barrier properties of bio-nanocomposites.•UV-resistant properties of bio-nanocomposites enhanced by CuO NPs.•CuO NPs induced CS/HPC bio-nanocomposites exhibited optimal functional properties.•CS/HPC/CuO bio-nanocomposites significantly prolonged the shelf life of jamun fruit.