Preparation and physicochemical assessment of bioactive films based on chitosan and starchy powder of white turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma Zedoaria) for green packaging applications

Abstract

In the current study, the bioactive films of chitosan/white turmeric (CH/WT) were prepared by employing solvent casting technique and analyzed their physicochemical and biological properties for active packaging applications. The successful inclusion of white turmeric into the chitosan matrix is confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Due to the presence of hydrogen bonding interaction, the active films exhibited good tensile properties, smooth surface morphology, miscibility, water resistance and UV barrier properties. The incorporation of white turmeric reduced the water vapour transmission rate and oxygen permeability (p < 0.05) in contrast with pristine film. The prepared blend films revealed soil degradation rate more than 60% within 15 days. Furthermore, the blend films exhibited lesser water solubility, moisture content and swelling index after addition of white turmeric to chitosan (p < 0.05). The prepared films revealed extensive antimicrobial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were improved upon the incorporation of white turmeric. Moreover, the oil absorption rate of the blend films was decreased by 46% in comparison with pristine film. Overall, white turmeric incorporated chitosan films were employed as a green packaging material to extend the shelf life of the foodstuff.