Development and Characterization of <i>trans</i>-Cinnamaldehyde-Entrapped Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 as an Antibacterial Agent for Food Safety Applications

This study shows successful synthesis, characterization, and demonstration of antibacterial activity of <i>trans</i>-cinnamaldehyde (TC)-loaded ZIF-8 nanoparticle complexes, highlighting their potential in the safety of food preparation surfaces and antimicrobial packaging, pH-responsive drug delivery surface cleaning, and biofilm prevention applications. The best ratio of TC to zinc + 2- was 1:2 in terms of a higher entrapment efficiency. The ZIF-8 nanoparticles were in the range of 100-200 nm and consistent with entrapment efficiency trends, while the poly-l-lysine (PL) coating increased the size beyond 300 nm. SEM and TEM images confirmed that TC entrapment did not change the morphology of the ZIF-8 nanoparticles. Gas adsorption analysis yielded a high BET surface area, which decreased upon TC entrapment. FTIR spectra exhibited distinctive peaks of ZIF-8 and TC in the nanoparticles, further confirming the successful synthesis procedure. Release studies indicated a burst release of TC in PBS, with water- and alcohol-based media enabling more gradual and sustained release.