Chitosan based antioxidant films incorporated with pine needles (Cedrus deodara) extract for active food packaging applications

Abstract

Pine needles (Cedrus deodara) comprise curcuminoid pigments, which are natural phenolic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pine needle extract (PNE) addition 5, 10, and 20% (v/w) on the antioxidant assay, physical, oxygen, water vapor permeability, color, and microstructures of the films were performed on scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The films containing PNE at the concentration of 10 and 20% showed a high antioxidant assay (total phenolics, DPPH, and radical scavenging assessment by the ABTS). The PNE content increase from 5% to 20% in films decreased the oxygen permeability (0.259 ± 0.01 to 0.08 ± 0.01 cm3 mm m−2 day−1 Pa−1) and water vapor permeability (2.18 ± 0.02 to 1.67 ± 0.11 g mm/m2 h kPa) of all films. In contrast, the thickness of films containing PNE slightly increased from 0.032 ± 0.003 to 0.041 ± 0.009 mm. PNE incorporated films had a greenish color, while neat CH film was somewhat yellowish. The notable alterations in terms of surface microstructure in the CH films containing 10 and 20% PNE were noticed. XRD illustrated the excellent compatibility between CH and PNE. CH films gained a significant antioxidant property and improved their characteristic properties by incorporating PNE, presenting a useful food packaging application.