Characterization of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticle-reinforced Bionanocomposite films from taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) starch and Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis (L.) Burm.f.) gel blend

The current study investigated the effects of increasing the concentration of CuO NPs on the performance of biocomposite films derived from taro starch and Aloe vera gel. The CuO NPs synthesized through chemical co-precipitation and calcification were mixed with taro starch and aloe vera gel to obtain biodegradable bio-nanocomposites films. The glycerol, biopolymers and the CuO NPs were mixed and cast and dried in the oven to create uniform films. The bionanocomposite film was characterized by optical, mechanical, physical, chemical, morphological analysis, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Results show that as the concentration of CuO NP increases, the film's opacity also increases as the film absorbs more light. Although the optimum percentage of CuO NPs enhanced the film thickness, the tensile strength decreased at higher concentrations (1. 5% and 2. 0%)
because of agglomeration. Moreover, adding the CuO NPs to the biopolymer matrix had no new chemical interaction. However, the agglomeration was caused by physical factors. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting point temperature (Tm) rise with increasing CuO NPs, indicating a significant relationship between CuO NPs and the biopolymer film. The antibacterial activity of the film raised with increasing CuO concentration against all bacterial strains due to the leaching of copper ions. There was no considerable impact on the antioxidant property of the bio-nanocomposite film. Therefore, Copper Oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have benefits such as a high light barrier effect, possible antibacterial properties, and possibly enhanced thermal stability, making them suitable for active food packaging applications.