Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Persimmon Byproducts and Incorporation in Biodegradable Sodium Alginate Thin Film.

Fruit industrial wastes such as persimmon seed, peel, and calyx were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antioxidant activities were compared with byproduct powders having different granularities. The AgNPs were incorporated in sodium alginate thin films and transparency and mechanical properties of the films was analyzed. Persimmon byproduct AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The byproduct AgNPs displayed higher antioxidant activities than powders of different granularities (P < 0.05). Fabrication of alginate thin films incorporating byproduct AgNPs resulted in improved transparency (P < 0.05). The incorporation of persimmon byproduct AgNPs with excellent antioxidant activities into sodium alginate thin films did not diminish the mechanical properties of the thin films. Therefore, fruit industrial waste such as persimmon byproducts could be used to derive AgNPs and could be incorporated into biodegradable alginate thin films, with numerous applications including food packaging.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Fruit industrial wastes such as persimmon seed, peel, and calyx were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which were incorporated in sodium alginate thin films. This study evaluated the antioxidant activities and mechanical properties of the films that could be useful in the manufacture of food packaging using biodegradable films.