Preparation and characterization of carrageenan/gelatin nanocomposite films with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Murraya koenigii extract.

Conventional food packaging materials are one of the significant contributors to environmental risks, and hence, biopolymers are considered an alternative food packaging material to replace conventional food packaging. Herein, an antimicrobial nanocomposite film based on k- carrageenan, Gelatine incorporated with Murraya koenigii mediated silver nanoparticles has been developed. The effects of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles (25mg to 100mg) on the physical, optical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties were also investigated. An increase in the Tensile Strength and Young's modulus, accompanied by a decrease in the elongation at break, was noticed with an increase in the concentration of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles. The interaction between the biosynthesised silver nanoparticles and KC/Gelatine was apparent from the FTIR Analysis. The addition of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles reduces the moisture content and Water Vapor permeability of the films. The addition of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles improved the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the films. Thus, the incorporation of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles into the KC/Gelatine film improved its characteristics, making it ideal for edible food packaging applications.