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Enzymatic synthesis and charaterization of metallic nanoparticles for targeted application on antimicrobial biodegradable polymers

Statement of the Problem: Limited natural resources and the exponential growth of the population lead to dramatic changes in production, consumption, transportation and storage of food. The application of nanoparticles in packaging affects its antibacterial, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties, but also increases the safety of food and shelf life of the product. This work therefore presents the methodology of synthesis, characterization and application of metallic nanoparticles as antimicrobial components for application on biodegradable polymers foreseen as the future packaging materials. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We apply enzymes to synthesize metallic nanoparticles, reveal the kinetics and mechanism of reactions, and characterize nanoparticles by classical (SEMEDX, FTIR, ICPOES, GFAAS) and “beyond-state-of-the-art” (GEMMA, PDMA, MALDI-TOF-MS/MS) instrumental methods. After synthesis and characterization, the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles was tested against model microorganisms (Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli, Candida Albicans) using statistical method design of experiment. Antimicrobial mixtures of nanoparticles were further applied with dip- coating on polymers by sol-gel process using 3- glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GLYMO) precursor. Findings: We produced metallic nanoparticles, optimized their antimicrobial activity and characterized polymers with antimicrobial layers. Enzymatic synthesis of nanoparticles at moderate temperatures ensured mild production conditions and enabled lower energy consumption. In our future work we plan to produce a prototype of antibacterial biodegradable packaging using additive technology (3D-printing). Conclusion & Significance: This multidisciplinary research work is significant for different scientific, industrial and technological applications: i) enzymatic synthesis of nanoparticles is economically and ecologicaly favorable approach, ii) usage of biodegradable polymers with metallic nanoparticles is the priority of food and packaging industry, iii) optimization of highest antimicrobial activity of NPs mixture using design of experiment offers an innovation in formulation and iv) prototyping by 3D printing enables wide variety of additional applications. Therefore we expect a significant outcome of this project and strengthening further collaboration with our industrial and academic partners

nanoparticles, enzymes, polymers, antimicrobial activity

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