Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/titanium dioxide/silver composite biofilms for food packaging application

Abstract Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/titanium dioxide (TiO2)/silver (Ag) composite biofilms were prepared via a common solvent casting method and then used for food packaging. The effects of TiO2/Ag nanoparticles on the physical, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties of the composite biofilms were comprehensively investigated. Results showed that the physical properties, such as mechanical, UV blocking, and barrier properties, of PBAT matrix were remarkably improved by the incorporation of TiO2/Ag nanoparticles. The optimum performance was achieved when the concentration of TiO2/Ag nanoparticles was 5% (w/w). Given the excellent antibacterial activity of TiO2/Ag nanoparticles, the composite biofilms exhibited unique antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the results of the cherry tomato preservation experiment indicated that the composite biofilms possessed good food preservation ability, which ensures that the present composite biofilms can be utilized in the food packaging industry.