Abstract:This work attempted to achieve effective antibacterial gelatin films by incorporating organic / inorganic antibacterials leading to synergistic antibacterial effect and wide antibacterial spectrum. Surface morphology, mechanical and barrier properties as well as antimicrobial activity of the films were evaluated. Gelatin-lysozyme/ nano-ZnO nanocomposite films had selective light absorbance. Obvious absorption peak occurred in the ultraviolet (UV) region, while the transmittance was over 90% in the visible region. The simultaneous incorporation of lysozyme / nano-ZnO resulted in synergistic antibacterial activity against test organism, i.e., Escherichia coli (G–) and Bacillus subtilis (G+). The loading of lysozyme or nano ZnO within the gelatin matrix did not affect the surface morphology of the films, while the simultaneous loading of lysozyme and nano-ZnO resulted in heterogeneous surface morphology, probably due to the formation of the agglomerates via the interaction between lysozyme and nano-ZnO in the filim-forming solution or the casting process. As a result, gelatin network structure as well as the performance of water vapor and oxygen barrier was varied, in an antimicrobial type-and dose- dependent manner. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of novel organic/ inorganic composite films.
