Production of Biodegradable Nanocomposite Film with Antibacterial Properties for use as Active Packaging

The continuous growth of the global population, coupled with new food safety regulations, has driven the demand for packaging that extends food shelf life. In this context, active packaging, which incorporates functional compounds to prolong shelf life without direct addition to the food, emerges as a sustainable alternative. The widespread use of plastic packaging significantly contributes to environmental pollution, fostering increasing interest in the development of biodegradable materials. These materials offer several advantages, including low cost, ease of processing, and renewable origin. This study developed a polymeric film based on cassava starch incorporated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for potential applications in food packaging. The incorporation of AgNPs conferred antimicrobial properties to the film while also enhancing its mechanical strength. The results demonstrated that the developed material exhibits promising performance, comparable to commercial PVC film, while providing a more sustainable solution for food preservation.