Biodegradability and biotoxicity of the modified starch matrix with biologically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles

In the present study, the starch films with biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were obtained. The films obtained were examined for mechanical properties, environmental toxicity and biodegradation. It was observed that the addition of the ZnO nanoparticles to the polymer matrix caused an increase in the tensile strength and elongation at break. The STEZHP film was characterized by the elongation value at 306 (%). The addition of the nanoparticles had a positive influence on the degradation improvement of the films in question under the three different conditions applied. In turn, the presence of ZnONPs caused an increase in the toxicity of the materials investigated. In the case of the tests for toxicity towards plants, it was observed that the films (SAZ, SAZHP, SAEZ, and STZ) showed very little toxicity, as well as a weak correlation between the parameters of the film quantity and the shoot growth inhibition.