Polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan biofilm incorporated with moringa oil nanoparticles: a sustainable and ecofriendly packaging strategy for managing Tribolium confusum infestation

The development of a novel anti-stored grain pest membrane film of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan-moringa nanoemulsion (PVA/CS-MNE) biofilm offers a promising alternative to conventional cereal packaging materials. The efficacy of different packaging films and thicknesses: polyethelene, cellophane, polypropylene, paper bags, and a prepared PVA/chitosan biofilm was evaluated for the control of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults. The estimated LC50 values for surface-treated PVA/chitosan biofilm, cellophane, polyethelene, paper bag, and polypropylene with moringa oil against T. confusum were 38.48%, 48.94%, 57.59%, 79.94%, and 125.06%, respectively. The most effective materials (PVA/chitosan biofilm, cellophane, polyethelene) were selected, and MNE was subsequently applied to these selected material types, resulting in LC50 values of 0.15%, 0.28%, and 0.47%, respectively. The results revealed that packaging materials treated with MNE exhibited higher toxicity compared to those exposed to moringa oil. Particle size and morphology of MNE, as measured by transmission electron microscope, confirmed the formation of spherical shape and uniform size with an average particle size around 90 nm. The zeta potential of -18 mV confirmed the formation of moderate stability colloidal system. Morphological changes were observed in a PVA/chitosan biofilm after moringa oil incorporation, as revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. A series of penetration tests conducted over 2 mo indicated that PVA/chitosan-MNE biofilm exhibited the highest protective efficacy. The numbers of exuviae, larvae, pupae, adults, and the percentage weight loss in packed wheat flour were 0.33%, 0.33%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0%, respectively.