Thermal, mechanical and microstructural characterization and antioxidant potential of Rhinobatos cemiculus gelatin films supplemented by titanium dioxide doped silver nanoparticles

Hybrid composites films were prepared by the incorporation of titanium dioxide doped silver nanoparticles (TiO2–Ag NPs) at different concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4 wt%) into Rhinobatos cemiculus gelatin (RCG) matrix. The microstructure analysis, realized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed a homogenous structure and a smooth surface of the composite films. The mechanical properties, light transmission and moisture content of composite films are greatly dependent on the amount of added TiO2–Ag NPs. A gradual decrease in elongation at break was observed with the increase in TiO2–Ag nanoparticles content (reaching 16.05% at an addition level of 4%). Moreover, the addition of TiO2–Ag NPs considerably enhanced the antioxidant activity of nanocomposite films evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferrous chelating activity. It is, thus, concluded that the incorporation of TiO2–Ag NPs into the gelatin matrix promotes the improvement of gelatin films’ performance.