SILVER NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIS VIA GREEN METHODS AND THEIR INCORPORATION INTO BIOACTIVE FILMS FOR Plodia interpunctella MANAGEMENT

Plodia interpunctella is a major pest of packaged and stored foods. Bioactive films offer a solution to preserve food quality, extend shelf-life, and minimize environmental impact. Moreover, green synthesis using botanical extracts demonstrated to be an ecofriendly and efficient methods to obtain metallic nanoparticles (NPAg). In the present study, films based on chitosan (Qx) were developed with aqueous extract of Schinus areira (Qx-SA), green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (Qx-NPAg) and NPAg + eucalyptus essential oil (Qx-NPAg-EEO). Although the incorporation of active agents did not significantly modify film structure, the addition of NPAg and eucalyptus essential oil enhanced film rigidity and strength without reducing the ductility. Over 15 days, Qx-NPAg and Qx-NPAg-EEO films significantly reduce the penetration rate of P. interpunctella compared to the control (Qx). Particularly, Qx-NPAg-EEO films showed repellent effects between 24 and 72 hours. These findings offer promising strategies for developing films to protect against P. interpunctella infestation.