Use of gamma irradiation technology for modification of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals/chitosan nanocomposite film

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2021-02, Vol.253, p.117144, Article 117144
• Main Authors: Salari, Mahdieh, Sowti Khiabani, Mahmoud, Rezaei Mokarram, Reza, Ghanbarzadeh, Babak, Samadi Kafil, Hossein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradable Plastics - chemistry; Biodegradable Plastics - radiation effects; Cellulose - chemistry; Cellulose - radiation effects; Cellulose nanocrystal; Chitosan; Chitosan - chemistry; Chitosan - radiation effects; Color; Food Packaging - methods; Gamma irradiation; Gamma Rays; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions - radiation effects; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Nanocomposites - radiation effects; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanoparticles - radiation effects; Permeability - radiation effects; Polysaccharides, Bacterial - chemistry; Polysaccharides, Bacterial - radiation effects; Solubility; Steam; Surface Properties - radiation effects; Tensile Strength; Water - chemistry
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117144

•The visual properties of film destroyed after irradiation.•BCNC can inhibit the deterioration of Ch/BCNC nanocomposite film during irradiation.•Gamma irradiation could affect the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite film. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of different gamma ray dosages (5, 10, and 10 kGy) on the structural, mechanical, surface and barrier properties of chitosan (Ch) based nanocomposite film. The results showed gamma irradiation caused an increase in the surface hydrophobicity, water vapor permeability and sensitivity of films to water and also, yellowness and opacity of films increased, simultaneously. By increasing the irradiation doses up to 10 kGy, the mechanical properties of Ch/BCNC film was significantly enhanced. As observed by FTIR spectra, no change occurred in the chemical functional groups of the films during irradiation. XRD studies confirmed that crystallinity of films was increased after irradiation. The nanocomposite film irradiated by 10 kGy had the highest thermal stability. In conclusion, gamma radiation can be considered as a safe method for sterilization of foods and modification of Ch/BCNC film properties.