Effect of rice husk silica nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties of soy protein isolate packaging films

Abstract

Biosynthesis of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) from rice husk is cost effective, non-toxic and eco-friendly method. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of different concentrations of biosynthesized amorphous SNPs (93.14 nm) on physical and mechanical properties of soy protein isolate packaging films prepared by casting method. The results showed that the moisture content, total soluble matter and water absorption of prepared films decreased with increasing in concentrations of SNPs. The tensile strength increased however, elongation at break decreased with addition of SNPs. There were non-significant effects on thickness, opacity and colour characteristics of developed biodegradable soy protein isolate films. Thus, biosynthesized silica nanoparticles could be used to improve the physical and mechanical properties of biodegradable soy protein isolate packaging films to overcome the defects which have limited the application in food packaging.