The present investigation reported the effect of incorporation of green tea extract (GTE) (1%), ginger essential oil (GEO) (1%) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) (1, 2%) on the physicomechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties of starch films. The reinforcement of NFC (2%) caused a significant (p < .05) increase in tensile strength (47.6%) and decrease in water solubility (32%), wettability (21.4%) and water vapor permeability (18.4%) of starch films. The inclusion of natural extracts (GTE, GEO) yielded films with high antioxidant activity (50.5 µmol TE/g), and high inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus (81%) and Escherichia coli bacteria (71%). The films showed color change in alkaline media, suggesting their potential use for active packaging. The films also passed the biodegradability test, degrading in 14 days in vegetable compost. The optimized active films showed high effectiveness in keeping the quality and extending the shelf life of strawberries by 4 and 8 days at ambient and refrigeration storage respectively.
Novelty impact statement
The starch‐based biodegradable active films with high tensile strength, water vapor barrier and antimicrobial activity developed by reinforcements with nanocellulose and bio‐actives (Green tea extract and Ginger essential oil).
These active films showed promising potential in keeping the quality and extending the shelf life of perishable fruits like strawberries.
These biodegradable active films can replace the petroleum‐based synthetic polymers currently being used for packaging.
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