Development of Zein/Fucoidan/Tio₂ nanocomposite films from Sargassum tenerrimum for food packaging

Authors

1 Department of Science and Research, Islamic Azad University, Qeshm Branch, Qeshm, Iran

2 Department of Food Hygiene and Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Fisheries, Islamic Azad University, Qeshm Branch, Qeshm, Iran

4 Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran

10.22092/ijfs.2026.135478

Abstract

This study aimed to create a novel biodegradable film by incorporating biosynthesized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles into a zein/fucoidan matrix for food packaging applications. TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized using Sargassum tenerrimum extract and confirmed using UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH assay, showing an IC₅₀ value of 0.347 mg/mL. The prepared films were evaluated for thickness, solubility, oxygen permeability, water vapor permeability, and mechanical properties. Zein films exhibited the highest values for solubility, elongation at break, oxygen permeability, and tensile strength, whereas the lowest values were recorded for the Zein + 5% Fucoidan + 2.5% TiO₂ nanocomposite (p≤0.05). FTIR, DSC, and XRD results confirmed interplays between TiO₂ nanoparticles and the carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups within the nanocomposite matrix. The study acknowledges that further investigations are needed to assess long-term storage stability and performance in real food systems. This study introduces a novel bioactive nanocomposite film with enhanced barrier and mechanical properties, distinguishing it from conventional biodegradable films. The Zein + 5% Fucoidan + 2.5% TiO₂ nanocomposite was identified to have the optimal formulation, demonstrating superior performance and having potential for application in food preservation.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences
Volume 25, Issue 3
May 2026
Pages 467-494

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