Maize bran arabinoxylans mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their incorporation in gelatin-based packaging film

Current research was aimed to extract arabinoxylans (AXs) from maize bran and synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through maize bran arabinoxylans (MBAXs), their characterization, and in-vitro efficacy against S. aureus, E.coli, and K. pneumoniae. Then, AgNPs were loaded in gelatin-based biofilm in different concentrations (0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %). The results showed that MBAXs contained arabinose (25.83 %), and xylose (32.12 %) in higher proportions. XRD spectra of MBAXs were amorphous, however, AgNPs capped with MBAXs showed crystalline spectra. SEM micrographs showed the spherical and irregular structure of AgNPs. Further, AgNPs showed an inhibition zone in the range of 7.38–13.78 mm, 11.45–19.14 mm, and 7.00–14.66 mm against E. coli, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae respectively. FTIR spectra of biofilm showed stretchings at 3270, 2935, 1625, 1542, and 1030 cm⁻¹ which showed the presence of –OH, -CH, and N-H groups of gelatin. An increase in AgNPs concentration, imparted minor changes in SEM micrographs on the film surface. Further, gelatin biofilm showed that the addition of AgNPs didn’t affect the thickness of biofilms but affected the mechanical properties after exceeding 0.5 %. The antimicrobial activity of the biofilm assessed on different foodborne pathogens showed a definite inhibition zone, which showed that packaging films loaded with AgNPs are effective in enhancing the shelf life of food commodities from microbial spoilage. Conclusively, current research showed that MBAXs are suitable for synthesizing AgNPs with definite antimicrobial activity and their incorporation in gelatin biofilm in a concentration-dependent manner could be a sustainable way to the development of sustainable packaging.