Self-assembly of ZnO nanoparticles on Low-Density Polyethylene Film with sol- gel and its Application for Milk Active Packaging

This study reports the antibacterial capability a low density polyethylene (LDPE) modified with ZnO nanoparticles using Sol Gel technique. Antibacterial activity of prepared films against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was examined. The operational conditions such as pH, time, amount of ZnO nanoparticles and silanol concentration was optimized using respond surface methodology (RSM). The proposed film under optimum condition was applied for packaging of milk sample. The highest antibacterial activity of ZnO/LPDE were pH (6.0), time (103 min), amount of ZnO nanoparticles (0.68 % w/v) and silanol agent concentration (4.81 % v/v). The antibacterial properties of ZnO/LDPE films were assessed based on the diameter of inhibition zone in a disk diffusion test against E. coli and S. aureus. These films have significantly reduced the growth of mentioned bacteria. Overall, antimicrobial packaging shows promise as an effective method for the inhibition of certain bacteria include E. coli and S. aureus in milk. The resulting ZnO/LDPE package films containing Milk sample exhibit superior and prolonged antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus during 7 and 14 days.