Integrating hexagonal boron nitride-ZnO nanohybrids as multifunctional active fillers in PLA matrices to extend the shelf-life of fresh strawberries.

PLA is a promising sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers. However, its suboptimal functional properties and lack of inherent bioactivity limit its applications in active food packaging. This study addresses these constraints and improves PLA's active functionalities through reinforcement with hexagonal boron nitride-ZnO (hBN-ZnO) binary inorganic nanofillers. PLA was fine-tuned with various ratios of hBN, and found that PLA-hBN1.5 film exhibits the optimum characteristics such as excellent film formation, highest tensile strength (62.14 MPa, 19.75 % increase), lowest water vapor permeability (1.23 ± 0.03 × 10-11 g.m-1.s-1.Pa-1, 32.04 % decrease), and improved UV-blocking and thermal resistance. Subsequently, a hydrothermally synthesized hBN-ZnO composite was incorporated into optimal PLA-hBN1.5 films, replacing pure hBN. The ZnO inclusion boosted the films antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant functionalities without significantly compromising mechanical or moisture barrier properties. Packaging studies on fresh strawberries demonstrated the superior potential of the PLA-hBN-ZnO film, making it a promising material for sustainable and active food packaging.