Flexible N-doped MXene quantum dot–biopolymer films with antibacterial and antioxidant functions for active food packaging

Abstract

The incorporation of nanoparticles into packaging materials offers an effective strategy for extending the shelf life of food and maintaining its freshness. In this study, we explore the potential of MXene-based quantum dots (MQDs) for advanced food packaging applications. A flexible, biodegradable thin film was fabricated by integrating MQDs into thermoplastic chitosan (TPC) using a wet chemical blending approach. The resulting nanocomposite film exhibits excellent UV resistance (>90 %), antioxidant activity (>78 %), and mechanical flexibility, making it a promising candidate for sustainable and high-performance food packaging solutions. these hybrid films based on TPC and MQDs are also resistant. The films also have been tested for mechanical strength (4–5 MPa in uniaxial tensile), and their flexibility at low temperatures was determined by measuring the glass transition temperature (T_g) at conditions below ambient (∼-30°C). Moreover, the incorporation of MQDs into chitosan films resulted in a significant reduction in oxygen and moisture permeability compared to neat chitosan films, a key characteristic for effective packaging materials. The hybrid films demonstrated a time-dependent biodegradation, with approximately 75 % weight loss after three weeks in a simulated biodegradation environment. Additionally, the films exhibited notable antioxidant and antibacterial properties, enhancing their potential for food packaging applications. Importantly, the films maintained long-term stability, with no chemical release from the MQDs incorporated into the TPC matrices, further highlighting their promising future as biodegradable, antioxidant, and antibacterial food packaging solutions.