Production bionanocomposite films of bitter vetch protein isolate contain ZnO nanoparticles and study functional characterizations and its effect on food storage

The main functions of the packages are: Physical protection, barrier protection, convenience and information. Tendency to minim process food products, quality, safety and preventing of food born disease and strict requirements in relation to consumer health caused ways to use antimicrobial agents in food packaging and prevent the development of microorganism growth. Active packaging is one the methods of efficient packaging, that protect safety and quality of foods. The material of these packages is a suitable base for adding a wide range of different combinations such as antimicrobial agents to them. Pursuant to this, movie bionanocomposite films of Bitter vetch seed’s protein with zinc oxide nanoparticles to produce an antimicrobial packages with %5 w/w of Bitter vetch protein isolate and 0.25, 1 and 2% zinc oxide nanoparticles. Glycerol was used as plasticizer. The mechanical and barrier properties of bionanocomposite films assessment and determined that the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent to the protein film caused a sharp decrease of oxygen permeability through the films. The rate of water vapor permeability of bionanocomposite films decreased comparing with control film. The results indicated that lower levels concentrations of nanoparticles cause better functional properties of bionanocomposites films because of fewer particles coagulation. Effect of nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were increased, but elongation of the film was reduced.