Preparation and characterization of synthetic melanin-like nanoparticles reinforced chitosan nanocomposite films

This paper reports the preparation, characterization and properties of synthetic melanin-like nanoparticle (MNP) reinforced chitosan nanocomposite films. The MNP was prepared using dopamine hydrochloride and sodium hydroxide which followed by spontaneous oxidation. The prepared MNP was spherical in shape and in the size range of ∼100 nm. The MNP was used as a functional nanofiller to produce the chitosan/MNP nanocomposite films using simple solution mixing and casting method. The MNP are evenly dispersed and biocompatible with chitosan to form the nanocomposite films. The incorporation of MNP enhances the ultraviolet blocking, mechanical properties, swelling ratio, and hydrophobicity of the nanocomposite films. The reinforcement of MNP in chitosan does not deteriorate the thermal stability and water vapor barrier property of the nanocomposite films. Furthermore, the prepared nanocomposite films show strong antioxidant activity. The developed chitosan/MNP nanocomposite films can applied to active food packaging and biomedical packaging.