Wheat gluten–based films can act as efficient matrix for
incorporating various additives including reinforcing agents and
antimicrobial agents. Incorporation of CNC with and without TiO2
nanoparticles, by casting and evaporation, into WG furnished bionanocomposites
that have the potential to be used in active food packaging applications. An optimal CNC content (7.5%) and TiO2
nanoparticles (0.6%) were approved for improving the functional
properties of WG based materials on the basis of TS and water
resistance of the bionanocomposites. Moreover, the coated kraft
paper with WG/CNC 7.5%/0.6% TiO2 exhibited excellent antimicrobial
activities i.e. 100, 100 and 98.5% against S. cervisiae, E. coli, and S.
aureus, respectively, for 3 layers coated paper after 2 h of exposure
to UVA light illumination.Further work is needed to evaluate O2 and CO2 barrier properties
of the coated paper and to demonstrate the real potential of
the prepared paper for packaging applications. Its validity should
be proven with food systems under real storage and release conditions.