Starch-based active packaging film and its application

Montmorillonite (MMT) was used to improve the performance of starch and nano-ZnO was added to act as antibacterial agent for developing a starch-based active packaging material via solution mixing and casting methods. The effect of MMT and ZnO on the performance of starch films was investigated, and then the composite films were used for cherry preservation. The results indicated that the addition of MMT could improve the mechanical and water-vapor barrier properties of starch films, but it had only a slight impact on optical properties. However, the addition of nano-ZnO could reduce the optical, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties of composite films. In preservation applications, compared to the other films, the composite films containing nano-ZnO could be beneficial to maintain quality and nutritional value of cherries by slowing down the growth of bacteria and thereby delaying weight loss, decreasing hardness, and decreasing pH and soluble solid content, resulting in a better preservation effect. Therefore, a starch-based active packaging film with good properties and preservation effect was developed with nano-ZnO and MMT, which could be applied in the field of preservation.