Multifunctional nano-cellulose composite films with grape seed extracts and immobilized silver nanoparticles

Abstract Nowadays, traditional packaging films with weak activity or single function cannot satisfy the active packaging requirements. In this paper, novel multifunctional films (TNC/GSE/AgNPs) based on TEMPO-oxidized nano-cellulose (TNC), grape seed extract (GSE) and TNC immobilized silver nanoparticles (TNC@AgNPs) are reported. The results showed that transparent TNC/GSE/AgNPs films exhibited better mechanical properties, lower water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability compared to pure TNC films. Moreover, due to the effect of TNC immobilization on AgNPs, only 5.77%, 3.62% and 3.11% of AgNPs were released from TNC/GSE/AgNPs films under the pH 4.0, 6.9 and 9.2, respectively. Nevertheless, the films had good antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Moreover, TNC/GSE/AgNPs films showed strong antioxidant activity which has been evaluated by DPPH (6.87 μg Vc/mg d.w.) and TRAP (82.67 μg Trolox/mg d.w.) methods. The prepared films will exhibit multifunction as food packaging to extend storage period.