The development of sustainable, active packaging materials offers a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics. This study investigated the integration of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and curcumin (Cur) into pea protein isolate (PPI) films using high-pressure homogenization (HPH) to enhance structural and functional performance. ZnO NPs were synthesized via ultrasound-assisted precipitation, and curcumin was added at 0.075–0.375%. HPH treatment promoted uniform dispersion and improved film cohesion. HPH-treated films exhibited enhanced crystallinity, mechanical strength (tensile strentgh up to 1.94 MPa), and flexibility (up to 50.97%). Importantly, HPH reduced water vapor permeability (WVP), and the Cur–nZnO films showed the lowest WVP (3.9 ± 0.3 × 10 −10 g·m/(m 2 ·s·Pa)) compared with HPH-treated and control films, indicating improved moisture barrier performance. Thermal stability improved with higher degradation onset and residual mass due to thermal resistance of ZnO. Optical analysis revealed that Cur–ZnO NPs films had the lowest UV–Vis transmittance, supporting their UV-blocking capability. Bioactivity assessments confirmed that Cur–ZnO NPs films achieved 1.3–1.6 log CFU/mL bacterial reductions against Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli . Surface analysis via XPS confirmed successful integration of Cur and ZnO, with enrichment in oxygenated and zinc-related groups. Release studies in ethanol, acetic acid, and oleic acid revealed simulant-dependent kinetics. Cur followed Peleg model behavior, with highest release in acetic acid. Zn 2+ release fit a zero-order model in ethanol, and diffusion was faster in acid. These results demonstrate the potential of HPH-processed Cur–ZnO NPs PPI films for active packaging, offering tailored barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial functions. • ZnO nanoparticles and curcumin were incorporated into pea protein films via HPH. • HPH enhanced film crystallinity, tensile strength, and flexibility. • Cur–nZnO films exhibited improved UV-blocking, thermal, and antimicrobial properties. • XPS and FTIR confirmed effective ZnO–curcumin–protein interactions. • Curcumin and Zn 2+ release followed kinetic models, with fastest diffusion in acetic acid.
Karabulut et al. (Wed,) studied this question.