Biodegradable PBAT microplastics adversely affect pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) growth and the rhizosphere ecology: Focusing on rhizosphere microbial community composition, element metabolic potential, and root exudates.

Biodegradable plastics (BPs) have gained increased attention as a promising solution to plastics pollution problem. However, BPs often exhibited limited in situ biodegradation in the soil environment, so they may also release microplastics (MPs) into soils just like conventional non-degradable plastics. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the impacts of biodegradable MPs (BMPs) on soil ecosystem. Here, we explored the effects of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) MPs and conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs on soil-plant (pakchoi) system at three doses (0.02 %, 0.2 %, and 2 %, w/w). Results showed that PBAT MPs reduced plant growth in a dose-dependent pattern, while PE MPs exhibited no significant phytotoxicity. High-dose PBAT MPs negatively affected the rhizosphere soil nutrient availability, e.g., decreased available phosphorus and available potassium. Metagenomics analysis revealed that PBAT MPs caused more serious interference with the rhizosphere microbial community composition and function than PE MPs. In particular, compared with PE MPs, PBAT MPs induced greater changes in functional potential of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles, which may lead to alterations in soil biogeochemical processes and ecological functions. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics showed that PBAT MPs and PE MPs differentially affect plant root exudates. Mantel tests, correlation analysis, and partial least squares path model analysis showed that changes in plant growth and root exudates were significantly correlated with soil properties and rhizosphere microbiome driven by the MPs-rhizosphere interactions. This work improves our knowledge of how biodegradable and conventional non-degradable MPs affect plant growth and the rhizosphere ecology, highlighting that BMPs might pose greater threat to soil ecosystems than non-degradable MPs.

Biodegradable mulch films improve yield of winter potatoes through effects on soil properties and nutrients.

Biodegradable mulch films are recognized as a promising substitute of polyethylene (PE) films to alleviate the "white pollution". Biodegradable mulch films with optimum degradation rates increase crop yield even compared to PE films. However, the mechanisms underlying this yield-increasing effect remains elusive. In this study, three biodegradable film treatments (BFM1, BFM2 and BFM3) and one PE film treatment (PFM) were used to evaluate their effects on soil and winter potatoes, and a partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) was constructed to investigate their relationships. The degradation rates of films under different treatments were ranked as BFM3 > BFM2 >BFM1 > PFM, and presented distinctive effects on soil properties and nutrients, structure of soil bacterial community, and yield traits of winter potatoes. The PLS-PM showed that mulch treatments affected potato yield through effects on soil properties (soil water and temperature) and soil nutrients (TOC, DOC, TN and NO3--N). The disintegration of the biodegradable films decreased soil water content and temperature, and reduced the loss of soil nutrients in the topsoil at the later growth stage of winter potatoes compared to PE films. Additionally, the elevated content of soil TN and NO3--N under treatment BFM1 may play a key role in its yield-increasing effect on potatoes compared to treatments PFM and BFM2. Thus, biodegradable mulch films with proper degradation rates regulate soil TN and NO3--N through their effects on soil water and temperature, and subsequently improve the yield of winter potatoes compared to PE mulch films.

Site-specific response of sediment microbial community to supplementation of polyhydroxyalkanoates as biostimulants for PCB reductive dechlorination.

The use of biodegradable plastics is constantly raising, increasing the likeliness for these polymers to end up in the environment. Environmental applications foreseeing the intentional release of biodegradable plastics have been also recently proposed, e.g., for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) acting as slow hydrogen releasing compounds to stimulate microbial reductive dehalogenation processes. However, the effects of their release into the environment on the ecosystems still need to be thoroughly explored. In this work, the use of PHAs to enhance the microbial reductive dechlorination of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and their impact on the metabolic and compositional features of the resident microbial community have been investigated in laboratory microcosms of a polluted marine sediment from Mar Piccolo (Taranto, Italy), and compared with recent findings on a different contaminated marine sediment from Pialassa della Baiona (Ravenna, Italy). A decreased biostimulation efficiency of PHAs on PCBs reductive dechlorination was observed in the sediment from Mar Piccolo, with respect to the sediment from Pialassa della Baiona, suggesting that the sediments' physical-chemical characteristics and/or the biodiversity and composition of its microbial community might play a key role in determining the outcome of this biostimulation strategy. Regardless of the sediment origin, PHAs were found to have a specific and pervasive effect on the sediment microbial community, reducing its biodiversity, defining a newly arranged microbial core of primary degraders and consequently affecting, in a site-specific way, the abundance of subdominant bacteria, possibly cross-feeders. Such potential to dramatically change the structure of autochthonous microbial communities should be carefully considered, since it might have secondary effects, e.g., on the natural biogeochemical cycles.

Accelerated degradation of plastic products via yeast enzyme treatment.

Biodegradable plastics can solve the problem of unwanted plastics accumulating in the environment if they can be given the contradictory properties of durability in use and rapid degradation after use. Commercially available agricultural biodegradable mulch films are made from formulations containing polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) to provide mechanical and UV resistance during the growing season. Although used films are ploughed into the soil using a tiller to promote decomposition, it is difficult if they remain durable. We showed that an enzyme produced by the leaf surface yeast Pseudozyma antarctica (PaE) degrades PBAT-containing films. In laboratory studies, PaE randomly cleaved the PBAT polymer chain and induced erosion of the film surface. In the field, commercial biodegradable films containing PBAT placed on ridges were weakened in both the warm and cold seasons by spraying the culture filtrate of P. antarctica. After the field was ploughed the next day, the size and total weight of residual film fragments decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Durable biodegradable plastics used in the field are degraded using PaE treatment and are broken down into small fragments by the plough. The resultant degradation products can then be more readily assimilated by many soil microorganisms.

Poly(Butylene Adipate/Terephthalate-Co-Glycolate) Copolyester Synthesis Based on Methyl Glycolate with Improved Barrier Properties: From Synthesis to Structure-Property.

The main problem of manufacturing with traditional biodegradable plastics is that it is more expensive than manufacturing with polymers derived from petroleum, and the application scope is currently limited due to poor comprehensive performance. In this study, a novel biodegradable poly(butylene adipic acid/terephthalate-co-glycolic acid) (PBATGA) copolyester with 25-60% glycolic acid units was successfully synthesized by esterification and polycondensation using cheap coal chemical byproduct methyl glycolate instead of expensive glycolic acid. The structure of the copolyester was characterized by ATR-FTIR, 1H NMR, DSC, and XRD; and its barrier property, water contact angle, heat resistance, and mechanical properties were tested. According to the experiment result, the PBATGA copolyesters showed improved oxygen (O2) and water vapor barrier character, and better hydrophilicity when compared with PBAT. The crystallization peaks of PBATGAs were elevated from 64 °C to 77 °C when the content of the GA unit was 25 mol %, meanwhile, the elongation at the break of PBATGA25 was more than 1300%. These results indicate that PBATGA copolyesters have good potentiality in high O2 and water vapor barrier and degradable packaging material.

Implication of microplastics on soil faunal communities - identifying gaps of knowledge.

There is mounting evidence that plastic and microplastic contamination of soils can affect physico-chemical processes and soil fauna, as has been excellently summarised in many recently published meta-analyses and systematic reviews elsewhere. It has become clear that impacts are highly context dependent on, e.g. polymer type, shape, dose and the soil itself. Most published studies are based on experimental approaches using (semi-)controlled laboratory conditions. They typically focus on one or several representative animal species and their behaviour and/or physiological response - for example, earthworms, but rarely on whole communities of animals. Nevertheless, soil animals are rarely found in isolation and form part of intricate foodwebs. Soil faunal biodiversity is complex, and species diversity and interactions within the soil are very challenging to unravel, which may explain why there is still a dearth of information on this. Research needs to focus on soil animals from a holistic viewpoint, moving away from studies on animals in isolation and consider different trophic levels including their interactions. Furthermore, as evidence obtained from laboratory studies is complemented by relatively few studies done in field conditions, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which plastic pollution affects soil animals under realistic field conditions. However, field-based studies are typically more challenging logistically, requiring relatively large research teams, ideally of an interdisciplinary nature to maintain long-term field experiments. Lastly, with more alternative, (bio)degradable and/or compostable plastics being developed and used, their effects on soil animals will need to be further researched.

Sustainable applications of polyhydroxyalkanoates in various fields: A critical review.

PHA is one of the most promising candidates in bio-polymer family which is biodegradable and environment-friendly in nature. In recent years, it has been applied as a biodegradable alternative for petroleum-based plastic across different domains. In literature, several research groups have scrutinised the biocompatibility and biodegradability of PHA in both in vivo settings as well as in in vitro conditions. Microbial yield polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promoted at present as biodegradable plastics. On the other hand, only a limited number of products is being commercially manufactured out of PHAs (e.g., bottles). A succession of microbes (prokaryotes in addition to eukaryotes) has been identified as potential candidates that can disintegrate PHAs. These materials have been successfully employed in packaging industry, medical devices and implants, moulded goods, paper coatings, adhesives, performance additives, mulch films, non-woven fabrics, etc. The present paper reviews and focuses on the potential applications of PHA and its derivatives in different industries.

New Active Packaging Based on Biopolymeric Mixture Added with Bacteriocin as Active Compound.

The objective of this work was to develop a chitosan/agar-agar bioplastic film incorporated with bacteriocin that presents active potential when used as food packaging. The formulation of the film solution was determined from an experimental design, through the optimization using the desirability function. After establishing the concentrations of the biopolymers and the plasticizer, the purified bacteriocin extract of Lactobacillus sakei was added, which acts as an antibacterial agent. The films were characterized through physical, chemical, mechanical, barrier, and microbiological analyses. The mechanical properties and water vapor permeability were not altered by the addition of the extract. The swelling property decreased with the addition of the extract and the solubility increased, however, the film remained intact when in contact with the food, thus allowing an efficient barrier. Visible light protection was improved by increased opacity and antibacterial capacity was effective. When used as Minas Frescal cream cheese packaging, it contributed to the increase of microbiological stability, showing a reduction of 2.62 log UFC/g, contributing a gradual release of the active compound into the food during the storage time. The film had an active capacity that could be used as a barrier to the food, allowing it to be safely packaged.

Developments of biobased plasticizers for compostable polymers in the green packaging applications: A review.

The demand for biobased materials for various end-uses in the bioplastic industry is substantially growing due to increasing awareness of health and environmental concerns, along with the toxicity of synthetic plasticizers such as phthalates. This fact has stimulated new regulations requiring the replacement of synthetic conventional plasticizers, particularly for packaging applications. Biobased plasticizers have recently been considered as essential additives, which may be used during the processing of compostable polymers to enormously boost biobased packaging applications. The development and utilization of biobased plasticizers derived from epoxidized soybean oil, castor oil, cardanol, citrate, and isosorbide have been broadly investigated. The synthesis of biobased plasticizers derived from renewable feedstocks and their impact on packaging material performance have been emphasized. Moreover, the effect of biobased plasticizer concentration, interaction, and compatibility on the polymer properties has been examined. Recent developments have resulted in the replacement of synthetic plasticizers by biobased counterparts. Particularly, this has been the case for some biodegradable thermoplastics-based packaging applications.

Catalytic pyrolysis of petroleum-based and biodegradable plastic waste to obtain high-value chemicals.

The petroleum-based plastics, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP), and the biodegradable plastic, polylactide (PLA) were processed by thermal and catalytic pyrolysis to investigate their suitability as feedstock for chemical recycling. The influence of pyrolysis temperature (400-600 °C) and catalyst (zeolite, spent FCC, and MgO catalyst) on the pyrolysis liquid composition and yield was studied. The studied petroleum-based plastics had similar decomposition temperature ranges but produced their highest pyrolysis yields at different temperatures. Pyrolysis liquids from thermal degradation of HDPE and LDPE consisted high yield of waxes but those of PP and PLA consisted of both waxes and liquid oil. Catalysts affected not only the pyrolysis yield, but also the proportions of liquid oil and wax in pyrolysis liquids. Alkenes, alkanes, and aromatics were the main compounds in the pyrolysis liquids. Spent FCC catalyst reduced the production of waxes and increased the production of gasoline-range hydrocarbons and aromatics. MgO catalyst led to high coke formation from polyolefins and PLA. Lactic acid, lactide and propanoic acid were examples of valuable chemicals recovered from the pyrolysis of PLA. Lactide was the main product (up to 79%) of catalytic pyrolysis with zeolite at 400 °C. Spent FCC catalyst produced mostly propanoic acid at 400 °C but at 600 °C, L-lactic acid became the most abundant compound.

Synthesis of a Novel Chitosan/Basil Oil Blend and Development of Novel Low Density Poly Ethylene/Chitosan/Basil Oil Active Packaging Films Following a Melt-Extrusion Process for Enhancing Chicken Breast Fillets Shelf-Life.

An innovative process for the adsorption of the hydrophobic Basil-Oil (BO) into the hydrophilic food byproduct chitosan (CS) and the development of an advanced low-density polyethylene/chitosan/basil-oil (LDPE/CS_BO) active packaging film was investigated in this work. The idea of this study was the use of the BO as both a bioactive agent and a compatibilizer. The CS was modified to a CS_BO hydrophobic blend via a green evaporation/adsorption process. This blend was incorporated directly in the LDPE to produce films with advanced properties. All the obtained composite films exhibited improved packaging properties. The film with 10% CS_BO content exhibited the best packaging properties, i.e., 33.0% higher tensile stress, 31.0% higher water barrier, 54.3% higher oxygen barrier, and 12.3% higher antioxidant activity values compared to the corresponding values of the LDPE films. The lipid oxidation values of chicken breast fillets which were packaged under vacuum using this film were measured after seven and after fourteen days of storage. These values were found to be lower by around 41% and 45%, respectively, compared with the corresponding lipid oxidation values of pure LDPE film.

Liposomal Encapsulation of Carvacrol to Obtain Active Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Films.

Lecithins of different origins and compositions were used for the liposomal encapsulation of carvacrol within the framework of the development of active films for food packaging. Liposomes were incorporated into aqueous polymeric solutions from fully (F) and partially (P) hydrolysed Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to obtain the films by casting. The particle size distribution and ζ-potential of the liposomal suspensions, as well as their stability over time, were evaluated. Liposomal stability during film formation was analysed through the carvacrol retention in the dried film and the film microstructure. Subtle variations in the size distributions of liposomes from different lecithins were observed. However, the absolute values of the ζ-potential were higher (-52, -57 mV) for soy lecithin (SL) liposomes, followed by those of soy lecithin enriched with phosphatidylcholine (SL-PC) (-43, -50 mV) and sunflower lecithin (SFL) (-33, -38 mV). No significant changes in the liposomal properties were observed during the study period. Lyotropic mesomorphism of lipid associations and carvacrol leakage occurred to differing extents during the film drying step, depending on the membrane lipid composition and surface charge. Liposomes obtained with SL-PC were the most effective at maintaining the stability of carvacrol emulsion during film formation, which led to the greatest carvacrol retention in the films, whereas SFL gave rise to the least stable system and the highest carvacrol losses. P-PVA was less sensitive to the emulsion destabilisation due to its greater bonding capacity with carvacrol. Therefore, P-PVA with carvacrol-loaded SL-PC liposomes has great potential to produce active films for food packaging applications.

Effect of the incorporation of lignin microparticles on the properties of the thermoplastic starch/pectin blend obtained by extrusion.

The present study aimed to produce thermoplastic starch films with different concentrations of thermoplastic pectin and the addition of 4% lignin microparticles as a reinforcing and active agent. The pectin improved the modulus of elasticity, and decreased the elongation at break. In addition, it improved the UV light protection to 100% at 320 nm and 95.9% at 400 nm. The incorporation of lignin microparticles improved the thermal stability of the blends made with 25% and 50% thermoplastic pectin when compared to the pectin-free blends. The blend with 25% thermoplastic pectin led to an increase of 75.8% and 34% in elongation at break and deformation of the films, respectively. This blend also improved the UV light protection to 100% due to its dark brown color. Regarding the permeability properties, the films with 25% and 50% thermoplastic pectin showed lower oxygen permeability (48% and 65%) and an increase in the antioxidant activities from 2.7% to 71.08% and 4.1% to 79.28%, respectively. Thus, the polymer blend with 25% thermoplastic pectin with the incorporation of lignin microparticles proved to be a good alternative for use in foods sensitive to the effects of oxygen and UV light.

Amylose/cellulose nanofiber composites for all-natural, fully biodegradable and flexible bioplastics.

Thermoplastic, polysaccharide-based plastics are environmentally friendly. However, typical shortcomings include lack of water resistance and poor mechanical properties. Nanocomposite manufacturing using pure, highly linear, polysaccharides can overcome such limitations. Cast nanocomposites were fabricated with plant engineered pure amylose (AM), produced in bulk quantity in transgenic barley grain, and cellulose nanofibers (CNF), extracted from agrowaste sugar beet pulp. Morphology, crystallinity, chemical heterogeneity, mechanics, dynamic mechanical, gas and water permeability, and contact angle of the films were investigated. Blending CNF into the AM matrix significantly enhanced the crystallinity, mechanical properties and permeability, whereas glycerol increased elongation at break, mainly by plasticizing the AM. There was significant phase separation between AM and CNF. Dynamic plasticizing and anti-plasticizing effects of both CNF and glycerol were demonstrated by NMR demonstrating high molecular order, but also non-crystalline, and evenly distributed 20 nm-sized glycerol domains. This study demonstrates a new lead in functional polysaccharide-based bioplastic systems.

Properties of hydric and biodegradability of cassava starch-based bioplastics reinforced with thermally modified kaolin.

In this study, hydric and biodegradability properties of cassava starch-based bioplastics reinforced with crude kaolin or treated kaolinitic clay at 700 °C called metakaolin were investigated using water adsorption and microbiological tests. Non-reinforced bioplastics (BP) and those containing 5 wt.% crude kaolin (BPKB) or metakaolin (BPMKB) were manufactured using the casting/evaporation method. Results obtained showed a decrease in the solubility and in the water diffusion and permeability of clay-reinforced bioplastics with respect to the ones without reinforcement. This improvement of the hydric properties has been attributed to the reduction in the free volumes existing between the starch macromolecules due to their interactions with clay platelets. These interactions might favor a more homogeneous and compact microstructure. The biodegradability of the clay reinforced bioplastics was significantly improved due to the bacterial proliferation. The thermal treatment of kaolinitic clay further improved the hydric and biodegradability properties of starch-based bioplastics.

Liquefaction of starch using solid-acid catalysts derived from spent coffee for the production of plasticized poly (vinyl alcohol) films.

This paper reports a strategy for preparing polyether polyols from corn starch, with (i) a mixture of polyethylene glycol 400 and glycerin (7:3, w/w) as the liquefying solvent and (ii) a spent-coffee-derived solid-acid catalyst (SC-SAC) (1:10, w/w, SC-SAC/starch) at 433 K for 1.5 h, under which conditions the liquefaction yield exceeded 99 %. The SC-SAC was prepared via hydrothermal carbonization at 453 K for 12 h, followed by sulfonation with H2SO4 at 343 K for 10 h. The liquefied starch product (SLP) was then used to plasticize poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films with various mixing ratios. The optimal 0.4 SLP/PVA blend film exhibited good mechanical properties (tensile strength 38.07 MPa, elongation at break 1199 %), good transparency, and excellent flexibility. The results highlight the possibility of using SLP/PVA films in the development of degradable packaging materials.

Study on physicochemical properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of okara soluble dietary fiber/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/thyme essential oil active edible composite films incorporated with pectin.

Active edible films based on okara soluble dietary fiber (SDF), pectin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCNa) and thyme essential oil (TEO) were successfully prepared. We aimed to exploit biodegradable edible films and realize the full utilization of waste resources. The effects of different amounts of pectin on the properties and structural characterization of the composite film with or without TEO were studied using a solution casting evaporation method. In general, the addition of TEO can improve the properties of the composite membrane. Pectin was homogeneously distributed within the films and exhibited good interaction with the polymer matrix. The addition of pectin led to significantly higher mechanical and optical properties of the composite film, compared with SDF/CMC-Na composite film. The tensile strength reached 21.419 ± 2.22 MPa, and the minimum transparency reduced to 88.9% ± 0.42%, with increasing pectin. Notably, the water resistance and oil resistance were enhanced. The composite films also possessed satisfactory antioxidant activity, with a DPPH-free radical scavenging rate of 46.33% ± 0.72%, while antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria was not obvious. Antioxidant and antibacterial SDF/pectin/CMC-Na composite films with enhanced mechanical, optical and barrier properties are excellent candidates for active edible packaging.

Improved antioxidant activity of a starch and gelatin-based biodegradable coating containing Tetradenia riparia extract.

The incorporation of plant-based extracts into polymer-based coatings is an efficient alternative to increase the shelf-life of stored fruit and to decrease or even prevent bacterial growth. Considering strawberries, it is also important to preserve their high antioxidant activity. Hence, this work evaluated the efficiency of a coating based on native cassava starch (NCS), gelatin, and sorbitol, containing different concentrations of Tetradenia riparia extract, in delaying the ripening process of strawberries stored under refrigerated conditions, and in preventing bacterial growth and antioxidant activity losses. Both concentrations of extract (500 or 1000 µg mL-1) increased the thickness, opacity, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the films when compared to the film without extract, but decreased the solubility. Even though the film without extract was expected to create a more efficient barrier to the coated fruits, the films containing the extract led to similar results of soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and vitamin C. Nevertheless, the extract incorporation improved the control over bacterial growth, and preserved the high antioxidant activity of the strawberries within ten days of storage.

Application of Nanoemulsions (W/O) of Extract of Opuntia oligacantha C.F. Först and Orange Oil in Gelatine Films.

Over the past decade, consumers have demanded natural, completely biodegradable active packaging serving as food containers. Bioactive plant compounds can be added to biopolymer-based films to improve their functionality, as they not only act as barriers against oxidation, microbiological, and physical damage, they also offer functionality to the food they contain. A water-in-oil (W/O) nanoemulsion was produced by applying ultrasound to xoconostle extract and orange oil, and was incorporated into gelatine films in different proportions 1:0 (control), 1:0.10, 1:0.25, 1:0.50, 1:0.75, and 1:1 (gelatine:nanoemulsion). The nanoemulsions had an average size of 118.80 ± 5.50 nm with a Z-potential of -69.9 ± 9.93 mV. The presence of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and betalains in the films was evaluated. The 1:1 treatment showed the highest presence of bioactive compounds, 41.31 ± 3.71 mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g (GAE)/100g for phenols, 28.03 ± 3.25 mg of quercetin equivalent per 100 g (EQ)/100g flavonoids and 0.014 mg/g betalains. Radical inhibition reached 72.13% for 2,20-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and 82.23% for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The color of the films was influenced by the incorporation of nanoemulsions, showing that it was significantly different (p < 0.05) to the control. Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, and percentage elongation, were affected by the incorporation of nanoemulsified bioactive compounds into gelatine films. The obtained films presented changes in strength and flexibility. These characteristics could be favorable as packaging material.

A novel glucomannan incorporated functionalized carbon nanotube films: Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity.

A novel nanocomposite film was developed by incorporating functionalized carbon nanotube (PCNT) and gallic acid (GA) into carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CKGM) and gelatin (GL) matrix. The influences of the PCNT content on the structural, morphological, mechanical, barrier, thermal and antimicrobial properties of CKGM/GL nanocomposite film were discussed. The structure of PCNT@CKGM/GL nanocomposite film was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, and AFM. The crystal structure and thermal ability of the film were generated by XRD and TGA-DTG. The analyses of FT-IR revealed that the amide linkage and strong hydrogen bonding were formed between CKGM, GL, and PCNT. Moreover, the characterization of mechanical properties, moisture barrier, and antimicrobial activities indicated the benefits of adding PCNT into CKGM/GL films. The results suggested that the PCNT@CKGM/GL films exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Therefore, such antimicrobial nanocomposite films have the potential of maintaining the quality and prolong the shelf life of food products.