Designing a new active nanocomposite packaging film based on zein biopolymer and titanium dioxide containing essential oil

One of the categories of antimicrobial substances are medicinal plants, which are technically categorized as a relatively new method in active packaging due to the presence of phenolic compounds, in addition to solving the mechanical and physical issues with packaging films. In this study, the weight-to-weight ratio of nano-titanium dioxide to zein (X1), the weight-to-weight ratio of rosemary to zein (X2), and the solution feeding rate (X3) were examined for their effects on the dependent variables of nanofiber diameter (Y1) and solution viscosity (Y2). The electrospinning procedure was then carried out in the following circumstances: applying the ideal voltage of 12 kV; placing a 150 mm gap between the needle’s tip and the collector; feeding the solution at a variable pace; and operating at room temperature and pressure. The ideal nanofibers had a size of 88.69 nm, a consistent structure, no flaws, and a viscosity of 0.62 pascal-second. Zein, a biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer, rosemary essential oil, which has antibacterial qualities, and nano titanium dioxide are three ingredients that make an excellent combination for active food packaging.