DEVELOPMENT OF CHITOSAN-ZNO NANOCOMPOSITE FILMS BASED ON BIOPOLYMERS FOR FOOD PACKAGING APPLICATION: A REVIEW OF SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATIONS

Abstrak

The development of environmentally friendly food packaging has driven the use of biopolymers as alternatives to non-degradable petroleum-based plastics. Among them, chitosan–ZnO nanocomposite films have gained significant attention due to their combined biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. This review aims to analyze recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and application of chitosan–ZnO composite films for food packaging. The findings reveal that ZnO synthesis methods have evolved from conventional techniques such as sol–gel to more advanced approaches including green synthesis, surface functionalization, and doping, leading to improved material performance. Solution casting is identified as the most widely used method for film fabrication due to its simplicity and ability to produce homogeneous nanoparticle dispersion. The incorporation of ZnO significantly enhances mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier properties, and antibacterial activity of the films. Furthermore, blending chitosan with other polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, starch, and polyurethane plays a crucial role in tailoring film properties for specific applications. These nanocomposite films have been successfully applied to various food systems, including fresh fruits, animal-based products, and bakery items, demonstrating their effectiveness in extending shelf life and inhibiting microbial growth. Overall, chitosan–ZnO nanocomposites show strong potential as sustainable active food packaging materials, although further research is required to address challenges related to synthesis standardization, safety, and large-scale application.