Ocimum basilicum seed mucilage reinforced with montmorillonite for preparation of bionanocomposite film for food packaging applications

Use of nanocomposites is a well-established approach in enhancing the mechanical and barrier properties of bionanocomposite film for food packaging applications. The seed mucilage of Ocimum basilicum was employed for the preparation of bionanocomposite films with montmorillonite (MMT) as nanofiller. The films were prepared by solvent-casting method at varied solution pH (1, 3, 5 and 9) and MMT loading (1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). The films were characterized for physical, mechanical and barrier properties in addition to microstructure and X-ray diffraction pattern. XRD analysis revealed the exfoliated dispersion of MMT at pH 9, confirming its effective interaction with the bionanocomposite film. Maximum film tensile strength was achieved at a lower MMT load of 5%. Water vapour permeability reduced with increase in MMT loading up to 5%, followed by an increase at higher MMT loadings. Film formed at pH 9 showed tensile strength of 17.3 ± 0.33 MPa and reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) of 0.21 g mm.m⁻².hr⁻¹.kPa⁻¹.