Production of novel chia-mucilage nanocomposite films with starch nanocrystals; An inclusive biological and physicochemical perspective.

In the current study, chia mucilage composite films with starch nanocrystals (3% and 6%) were produced. The films were analyzed physicochemically (FT-IR, AFM, TGA, DSC), mechanically (Tensile strength and contact angle) and biologically (antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity) properties. The incorporation of starch nanocrystals was confirmed through FT-IR spectra showing broad OH peak and CO stretching and shift in NH bending vibrations to the lower wave number. Starch nanocrystals enhanced (control 287.23 °C, film with 3% SNC 286.91 °C and film with 6% mucilage 289.41 °C) the thermal properties of the composite films. The Young Modulus of the film showed an increase after the incorporation of starch nanocrystals due to the strong interaction between mucilage and nanocrystals. On the other hand, the overall hydrophobicity of mucilage composite film decreased due to the hydrophilic nature of cornstarch nanocrystals. MTT assay for cell proliferation revealed significant inhibition of cancer cell (HepG2) lines and exhibits a very low inhibition of epithelial cell line (Vero). Starch nanocrystals enhanced the antibacterial and antioxidant (threefold increase compare to control) properties of mucilage composite films. Mucilage-SNC composite films could be a good therapeutic gain for control and directed drug delivery, food packaging, food coating.