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Summary: This work developed an active selenium nanoparticles‐based potato starch film. The incorporation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) improved the microstructure, physical and biological properties of the nanocomposite film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a slight increase in surface roughness and heterogeneity of nanocomposite film. Addition of SeNPs resulted in an improvement in film thickness and density from 0.02 ± 0.01 to 0.04 ± 0.00 mm and 1.01 ± 0.12 to 1.31 ± 0.03 g cm−3, respectively, while water content, film solubility, swelling degree as well as water vapour transmission rate decreased. Integration of SeNPs into potato starch film caused a significant change (P < 0.05) of colour to red (a*) and yellow (b*). The tensile strength also improved with addition of SeNPs from 3.42 to 9.86 MPa. The presence of SeNPs in the potato starch film enhanced its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The overall migration and specific migration were within acceptable levels as stipulated in the EU regulations. The findings of this study present an alternative biodegradable biopolymer material that can be used as active food packaging material in replacement of nonbiodegradable synthetic polymer material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The past decade has seen nanotechnology progressively being adopted by the food industry. Its wide application in food packaging has redefined conservative food packaging with active and intelligent packaging. Nanomaterials do not only influence food quality and safety but also offer health‐related benefits. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been preferred in recent years because of their high biological activity. However, they are generally synthesised using physicochemical methods which are associated with toxicity. In the past decade, efforts have been directed towards advancement of green synthesis of SeNPs to minimise hazardous by‐products. The antioxidant and biocidal effects of SeNPs are generally investigated by direct contact between the oxidisable matter and/or test organisms. Lately, there is focus on the effect SeNPs incorporated into packaging films. This paper will review developments on SeNPs synthesised via plant extracts from the year 2010 to present and their potential application in active food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A rapid solvothermal method was developed using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. • Selenium nanoparticles were amorphous and exhibited a polygonal-like nanostructure. • Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy mapping showed uniform distribution of selenium. • Selenium nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against three food pathogens. In this study, a rapid solvothermal method was developed using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing agent. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles were amorphous and exhibited a polygonal-like nanostructure with an average size of 82.86 ± 19.42 nm. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy mapping showed uniform distribution of selenium as a dorminant element. The nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium as well as Bacillus cereus. Therefore, this demonstrates its potential application in the development of active food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]