Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced chitosan/titanium dioxide bionanocomposite with enhanced interfacial compatibility: Fabrication, characterization, and application in fresh-cut apple slices

This research aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a bionanocomposite made of chitosan, CNC, and TiO2 nanoparticles to package freshly sliced apples. At the outset, the effect of varying concentrations of CNC (1, 5, and 10 %) and TiO2 (1, 3, and 5 %) on the mechanical, thermal, and water sensitivity characteristics of the chitosan bionanocomposite was studied. Among different combinations, the bionanocomposite containing 10 % CNC and 3 % TiO2 displayed significant enhancements compared to neat chitosan film. Notably, it exhibited a substantial increase in tensile strength (78.2 %), glass transition temperature (26.7 %), and melting temperature (30.0 %) compared to neat chitosan film. Additionally, it demonstrated reduced WVP (27.8 %), FWS (44.4 %), and SR (50.7 %). These improvements were attributed to the synergistic interactions among chitosan, CNC, and TiO2 nanoparticles through hydrogen and oxygen bonding, corroborated by spectral changes in the material. The photocatalytic degradation of ethylene and microbes by UV-A (intermittent) activated TiO2 contained in the developed bionanocomposite was confirmed by the retention of acceptable quality and radical scavenging activity (70 % retention) of fresh-cut apple slices up to 11 days. The developed bionanocomposite can thus preserve the quality of ethylene-producing horticultural produce.