Preparation and Characterization of Rice Starch Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Onion Peel Extract

This study aims to develop and characterize rice starch nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from onion peel extract (OPE) as a reducing agent. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal the formation of semi-spherical shaped nanoparticles. Also, the peaks obtain at 3 keV using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) indicates the presence of elemental silver. Active films loaded with AgNPs are subjected to SEM and show that incorporation of AgNPs lead to the development of embedded starch matrix as compared to control sample. The decrease in moisture content and water vapor permeability is quite noticeable by increasing the AgNPs concentration and ranges between (8.58-11.32)% and (6.74-10.90) x 10-9 g-1 s-1 Pa-1, respectively. The results of tensile test suggest that tensile strength is significantly increased after incorporation of nanoparticles in films. The active films possess improved antibacterial activity against food pathogens. Hence, the present investigation suggests economical and advantageous way to formulate nanocomposite films from rice starch that are loaded with AgNPs derived from an agro waste material, i.e., onion peels that are rich in phenolic compounds but are usually discarded by food processors. Silver nanoparticles are synthesized from onion peel extract and then added into rice starch films in different concentrations. The resultant films have antibacterial activity with reduced water vapor permeability and improved tensile strength in comparison to control film (without silver nanoparticles).image