Active Biodegradable Packaging for Foods Containing Baccharis dracunculifolia Leaf as Natural Antioxidant

Abstract

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) is a Brazilian native plant that has excellent antioxidant properties. This work aimed to develop an active biodegradable packaging for food using B. dracunculifolia leaf powder as a natural antioxidant. Biodegradable films were produced by blown extrusion with cassava starch, poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), glycerol, and leaf powder of B. dracunculifolia (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 wt.%), and the films were tested as active packaging for different food simulants. The B. dracunculifolia improved the tensile strength and elongation of the films. The films’ antioxidant activities were proportional to the B. dracunculifolia content with the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and TPC (Total Phenolic Compounds), reaching 3.95 μmol of Trolox g film−1, 10.60 μmol of TEAC g film−1, and 0.97 mg GAE g film−1, respectively. B. dracunculifolia is an excellent font of natural antioxidants, and it can be used in active biodegradable packaging for food products.