Preparation of nanobiocomposite film based on lemon waste containing cellulose nanofiber and savory essential oil: A new biodegradable active packaging system

Abstract

Lemon waste after industrial juice extraction encompasses of valuable bio-components that stimulated the development of novel and biodegradable films. Lemon waste powder (LWP) based nanobiocomposite films were prepared by incorporating different concentrations of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) (3 and 6% w/w) and savory essential oil (SEO) (1.5 and 3% w/w) in order to modify physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the films. The fabricated film samples were characterized in terms of FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM and DSC analyses as well as mechanical, water vapor permeability and antimicrobial properties. FTIR and FE-SEM results indicated a good compatibility between LWP matrix and incorporated CNF and SEO. Physical and thermal analysis showed a significant effect of incorporating SEO and CNF on enhancing glass transition temperature, tensile strength and water barrier properties of the film samples. SEM analysis revealed non-uniform dispersion of CNF at higher concentration, while SEO incorporation improved the structure of the films. In addition, the LWP based films significantly showed antimicrobial properties against five food borne pathogens and this effect improved considerably by elevating the SEO loading concentration. In conclusion, LWP based nanobiocomposite films containing 3% CNF and 3% SEO could be introduced as a good candidate for development of active food packaging.