Fabrication of curcumin-loaded soluble soy bean polysaccharide/TiO2 bio-nanocomposite for improved antimicrobial activity

Objective(s): Bioactive compounds like curcumin can be incorporated into food packaging formulation either to enhance physico-mechanical properties or to improve the biological activity of the packaging systems. Furthermore, it enables the packaging to monitor the changes in food quality. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the effect of curcumin concentration (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) on physico-mechanical and biological activity of soluble soy bean polysaccharide (SSPS)/TiO2 nanoparticles nanocomposites were investigated. Additionally, the release behavior of this bioactive compound from the developed film was tested. Finally, the color changing of SSPS/TiO2 nanoparticles/curcumin nanocomposites in contact with different mediums were examined. Results: When the curcumin concentration increased up to a certain point (0.4 %), the physical and mechanical properties of the film improved, but beyond this point, an opposite effect was observed. SSPS/TiO2 nanocomposite showed strong antibacterial activity against both gram positive and negative bacteria. Small amount of curcumin released in ethanol as a food simulant. Conclusion: The films incorporated by curcumin can be used as promising packaging systems for non-destructively detecting quality and freshness of foods.