Preparation and characterization of TiO2NPs and betanin loaded zein/sodium alginate nanofibers

The aim of this study was the development of a new nanofibers based on zein/sodium alginate (Z/SA) incorporated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and betanin (B) using the electrospinning technique for application in food packaging. The Z/SA/TiO2NPs/B nanofiber exhibited a bead-free morphology with average fiber diameter of 535.99 ± 220.91 nm. The FT-IR and DSC results showed the compatibility among zein, alginate and active agents. In addition, the Z/SA/TiO2NPs/B sample showed satisfactory mechanical properties and high surface hydrophobicity. The synergistic effect between TiO2NPs and betanin provided high antibacterial activity in nanofibers against two food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The DPPH scavenging activity of Z/SA/TiO2NPs/B nanofiber sample was 64.42 ± 3.56 %. Moreover, the biocompatibility of fabricated nanofibers was approved by in-vitro cell cytotoxicity assay. As a result, the use of Z/SA/TiO2NPs/B electrospun nanofiber would be a positive step in the improving of shelf life and quality of food stuffs.