Physical, mechanical, water binding, and antioxidant properties of cellulose dispersions and cellulose film incorporated with pomegranate seed extract

Abstract

ABSTRACTPomegranate is a medicinal and nutritional fruit that has several bioactivities including antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticarcinogenic activities. Pomegranate seed ethanol extract incorporated in cellulose dispersions and cellulose films using mild operating conditions. Carboxymethylcellulose showed the highest pH, conductivity, zeta-potential and particle size. Hydroxyethylcellulose had the highest viscosity and the lowest particle size. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose revealed the lowest conductivity and viscosity. Methylcellulose contained the lowest pH and zeta-potential. Pomegranate seed ethanol extract caused a decrease in pH and conductivity and an increase in zeta potential, particle size and antioxidant power of the dispersions. The lowest tensile strength, elastic modulus, and swelling belonged to hydroxyethylcellulose film. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose film showed the highest tensile strength, elastic modulus and swelling and the lowest elongation at break and water transmissions. Methylcellulose film contained the highest elongation at break and water transmission. Pomegranate seed ethanol extract caused a decrease in tensile strength, elastic modulus and swelling, and an increase elongation at break and water transmission of the film. Scanning electron microscope analyses indicated that pomegranate seed ethanol extract had an impact on the film morphology. Pomegranate seed ethanol extract caused a coarse film microstructure due to the appearance of pomegranate seed ethanol extract aggregates which produce discontinuities in film matrix.