Silver nano-enhanced gum Arabic films: development and physicochemical properties

The increasing demand for fresh produce has led to an increase in biopolymer-based packaging.
Gum Arabic (GA) emerges as a promising candidate; however, its limited barrier, mechanical, and functional properties restrict its effectiveness in preserving fresh produce and beverages.
This research investigates the incorporation of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from pomegranate peel powder into gum Arabic (GA) for film formation.
The silver nanoparticles were synthesised using pomegranate peel powder extract via microwave assisted green synthesis and subsequently incorporated at varying concentrations (0.05 and 0.1%) into a formulated gum Arabic/cellulose nanofibre film matrix.
The resulting films colour and mechanical properties were analysed to determine influence of silver nanoparticles.
As the concentration of AgNPs increases, there is a significant decrease in the white index and a corresponding increase in the yellow index.
Additionally, the incorporation of AgNPs significantly enhanced tensile strength compared to the control film, with 0.1% AgNPs nanocomposite exhibiting the highest mechanical performance.
These findings demonstrate that GA/CNF films reinforced with biosynthesized AgNPs exhibit enhanced functional properties and promise as eco-friendly active packaging materials for postharvest preservation.

IV International Symposium on Beverage Crops

M.O. Sibiya, J.O. Adeyemi, O.A. Fawole

beverage crops, active packaging, gum Arabic films, silver nanoparticles, pomegranate peel valorisation, postharvest preservation

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1466.30