Active packaging films derived from renewable biopolymers with an antioxidant formulation are a promising alternative in prolonging food shelf life. This study aimed to develop active hybrid films from semi-refined carrageenan, plasticized with glycerol, incorporating α-tocopherol, and enhanced with cellulose nanofibers derived from empty fruit bunch as reinforcing agents for improved film function in active packaging. The active hybrid films were characterized for their properties, and the release of antioxidant α-tocopherol was observed in food simulant and fresh meat. The application of the active hybrid films reinforced with cellulose nanofibers as active packaging for food products is presented.

This study presents the effect of different drying techniques (swirling fluidized bed drying [SFBD], oven drying [OD], and freeze drying [FD]) on the drying kinetics, antioxidant potential, and 6-gingerol concentration of Bentong ginger (BG). Seven mathematical models were applied to the experimental data to determine the best thinlayer drying models for drying applications Interaction between the drying methods and antioxidant properties has been evaluated using correlation coefficient (R). The Midilli-Kucuk model showed the best fit at explaining the thin layer drying behavior of the BG for OD and SFBD, whereas the Page model showed the best fit for FD. Correlation analysis revealed that the drying methods had a strong positive correlation with DPPH and a moderate negative correlation with 6-gingerol concentration and total phenolic content. The experimental results showed that SFBD reduces the total drying time compared to OD and FD, which translates to a low energy consumption, high drying rate, and moisture diffusivity. In addition, the dried BG sample from the SFBD exhibited a slightly higher DPPH inhibition and total phenolic yield as well as the best option to preserve the 6-gingerol compound in the Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) analysis.Thus, the SFBD approach proved to be a feasible method for drying ginger. Practical applicationsGinger is considered to be highly perishable foods due to their high moisture content.The most common process for keeping shelf-stable ginger is dehydration. Drying preserves the quality of ginger by lowering the moisture level, which prevents microbial growth and chemical changes during dried storage. The use of fluidized bed (FBD) dryers for agricultural products processing has grown in popularity in recent years.The modified and hybrid FBD systems were observed to be efficient for drying food products in previous studies. The outcome of this research showed that SFBD techniques attain better nutritional quality of ginger through less energy consumption and processing time.

Bentong ginger (BG), grown in a high-altitude area of Bentong, Malaysia, has a similar scientific name to the common ginger species and has been patented by the Malaysian government. BG is known for its larger size and pungent taste and is nutritionally rich in antioxidants such as gingerols, which are responsible for a wide range of pharmacological and physiological effects in human health. This study presents the effect of swirling fluidized bed drying (SFBD) compared with oven drying (OD) and freeze-drying techniques (FD) on the drying kinetics, antioxidant potential, and 6-gingerol concentration of BG. The Midilli-Kucuk model showed the best fit at explaining the thin layer drying behavior of the BG for OD and SFBD, whereas the Page model showed the best fit for FD. The experimental results showed that SFBD reduces the total drying time (250 min) and energy consumption (160.4976 kWh/kg) with higher drying rate (0.1813 g/min) and moisture diffusivity (2.4317 × 10-10 m2/s). In addition, the dried BG sample from the SFBD exhibited a slightly higher DPPH inhibition (89.2%) and the best option to preserve the 6-gingerol compound (2.626 mg/mL) in the Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) analysis. Thus, the SFBD approach proved to be a feasible method for drying ginger.

Optimized Bentong ginger (BG) extract using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE) was incorporated in hybrid carrageenan/nanocomposite biopolymers for active packaging films. The design of experiments based on central composite design was applied for the study of the operating parameters (amplitude, sonication time, and solvent concentration) of UAE in the recovery of phenolic compounds from BG. Optimized extracts were analyzed for the content of 6‐gingerols in liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and formulated in carrageenan/nanocellulose hybrid films for active packaging applications. The mechanical properties of the films and release behavior of antioxidant compounds into food simulants were investigated. The optimized UAE BG extract was found efficacious as an antioxidant agent in active packaging.

Biodegradable films made from biopolymer materials have the potential to replace conventional plastics, which can reduce waste disposal problems. This study aims to explore the potential of different seaweed derivate films consisting of 2% (w/w) of kappaphycus alverezi (KA), kappa carrageenan (KC), refined carrageenan (RC) and semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) as bio-based materials with 0.9% (w/w) glycerol (G), and reinforced with different concentrations of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) derived from palm waste. A characterization of the glycerol-plasticized seaweed derivatives containing 0, 5, 10, and 15% (v/w) cellulose nanofiber is carried out. The CNFs were studied based on their mechanical, physical and thermal properties including mechanical properties, thickness, moisture content, opacity, water solubility, water vapor permeability and thermal stability. The hydrogen bonding was determined using the DFT calculation generated by Gauss view software version 9.6. The KA + G + 10%CNF film exhibited a surface with slight cracks, roughness, and larger lumps and dents, resulting in inferior mechanical properties (18.50 Mpa), making it unsuitable for biofilm production. The KC + G + 10%CNF film exhibited mechanical properties 24.97 Mpa and water vapor permeability of 1.42311 × 10−11 g s−1 m−1 Pa−1. The RC/G/10%CNF film displayed the highest TS (48.23 MPa) and water vapor permeability (1.4168 × 10−11 g s−1 m−1 Pa−1), but it also had higher solubility in water (66%). In contrast, the SRC + G + 10%CNF film demonstrated excellent mechanical properties (45.98 MPa), low water solubility (42.59%), low water vapor permeability (1.3719 × 10−11 g s−1 m−1 Pa−1), and a high decomposition temperature (250.62 °C) compared to KA, KC and RC. These attributes develop films suitable for various applications, including food packaging with enhanced properties and stability.