Electrospun Active Biopapers of Food Waste Derived Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) with Short-Term and Long-Term Antimicrobial Performance

Abstract

This research reports about the development by electrospinning of fiber-based films made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) derived from fermented fruit waste, so-called bio-papers, with enhanced antimicrobial performance. To this end, different combinations of oregano essential oil (OEO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were added to PHBV solutions and electrospun into mats that were, thereafter, converted into homogeneous and continuous films of ~130 µm. The morphology, optical, thermal, mechanical properties, crystallinity, and migration into food simulants of the resultant PHBV-based bio-papers were evaluated and their antimicrobial properties were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in both open and closed systems. It was observed that the antimicrobial activity decreased after 15 days due to the release of the volatile compounds, whereas the bio-papers filled with ZnONPs showed high antimicrobial activity for up to 48 days. The electrospun PHBV biopapers containing 2.5 wt% OEO + 2.25 wt% ZnONPs successfully provided the most optimal activity for short and long periods against both bacteria.