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The traditional plastic packaging harms the environment, necessitating the need for environmentally friendly alternatives. The plant mediated amalgamation process for copper nanoparticles using Argemone maxicana offers an economically feasible and non-toxic approach. κ-Carrageenan, derived from red seaweeds, serves as an ideal matrix for creating nanocomposite materials. The resultant nanocomposite films have improved thermal stability, elastic properties, water vapour resistance, and UV resistance qualities. With inhibitory zones against S. aureus and E. coli, they also exhibit strong activities against bacteria. Additionally, grapes (12 days) and cottage cheese (7 days) were preserved using these films, and the food's quality was effectively maintained without any additional care. Overall, this method lessens the environmental effect of traditional plastic materials while providing an environmentally acceptable packing for food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver-Carrageenan (Ag/Carr) nanocomposite film for food packing application by the green method using Argemone albiflora leaf extract has been developed in this study. Different plant parts of Argemone albiflora (blue stem prickly poppy) are used all over the world for the treatment of microbial infections, jaundice, skin diseases etc. GC–MS analysis was used to examine the phytochemical found in the Argemone albiflora leaf extract which reduces the metal ions to nanoscale. The biopolymer employed in the synthesis of nanocomposite film was carrageenan, a natural carbohydrate (polysaccharide) extracted from edible red seaweeds. We developed a food packing that is biodegradable, eco-friendly, economical and free from harmful chemicals. These films possess better UV barrier and mechanical and antimicrobial properties with 1 mM AgNO 3 solution. The presence of silver nanoparticles in the carrageenan matrix was evident from FESEM. The mechanical properties were analysed by a Universal testing machine (UTM) and different properties like water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture content (MC) and total soluble matter (TSM) important for food packing applications were also analysed. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized film samples were studied against E. coli and S. aureus pathogenic bacteria. These films were employed for the storage of cottage cheese (dairy product) and strawberries (fruit). This packing increased the shelf life of the packed food effectively. Ag/Carr films are biodegradable within four weeks. [Display omitted] • Silver nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in a carrageenan matrix. • Nanoparticles increase the UV barrier, thermal and mechanical properties of carrageenan. • Effective against penetration of UV radiation • After four weeks, films entirely disintegrate. • Without any specific processing, packed products possess an extended shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, for the first time, we are reporting on the electrochemical lithium storage properties of hollow Mg 0.25 Cu 0.25 Zn 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 /NiFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites. The nanocomposites exhibit excellent cycling performance with a capacity of 661 and 460 mA h g −1 after 500 cycles at a very high rate of 300 and 1000 mA g −1 , respectively. Such superior performance over other Fe based mixed metal oxides is produced by the combination of the composite and the hollow structures. In virtue of the excellent electrochemical performance, hollow Mg 0.25 Cu 0.25 Zn 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 /NiFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites have huge potential as anode materials for the next-generation lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]