Lower Water Vapor Permeability Research Articles

Improved konjac glucomannan/curdlan-based emulsion coating by mung bean protein addition for cherry tomato preservation.

Biopolymer-based emulsion systems have been used for food preservation. In this study, mung bean protein (MBP) was added to konjac glucomannan (KGM)/curdlan-based camellia oil emulsion (KC-CO) to develop KCM-CO emulsion system. KCM-CO emulsions showed good compatibility and stability during storage. The confocal laser scanning microscopy, atomic force microscope, and infrared spectroscopy revealed that camellia oil was successfully emulsified by MBP, and the resulting droplets were evenly distributed in the polysaccharide network formed by KGM and curdlan micelles based on hydrogen bonds. The emulsions behaved as an elastic solid, and the KCM-CO emulsion films exhibited a compact microstructure, and the emulsification of MBP enhanced the compatibility, as K54C40M6-CO had the smoothest surface. The addition of MBP significantly improved the elongation at break (EAB), water contact angle (WCA), dissolution, and gas permeability of the emulsion films. K54C40M6-CO showed the largest EAB (37.6%), strong hydrophobicity (WCA=97.8°), and low water vapor and oxygen permeability. In the preservation experiments, K54C40M6-CO coating significantly delayed the weight loss (by 41.2%) and firmness decline (by 54.5%), and maintained the appearance, total solids, total acids, and ascorbic acid content of cherry tomatoes, and inhibited the respiratory intensity by 44.2%. This coating showed great potential for fruit and vegetable preservation.

Preparation and characterization of edible films from gelatin and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

This study investigates the enhancement of gelatin (GEL) films using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for edible film packaging applications. Although GEL is biocompatible and cost-effective, its limited mechanical strength presents significant challenges for practical applications. The findings indicate that CMC effectively increases tensile strength (TS), while HPMC improves elongation at break (EAB) and hydrophilicity. Notably, the composite modification with HPMC and CMC proves to be more effective than individual modifications. The optimal HPMC/CMC ratio of 3:7 resulted in blend films that exhibited the highest TS and lowest water vapor permeability (WVP). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed enhanced hydrogen bonding between the polymers, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed a more uniform structure with improved thermal stability in the blend films. These results suggest that optimizing the HPMC/CMC ratio in gelatin-based films can significantly enhance their mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties, providing new possibilities for their application as food packaging materials.

Cellulose Nanoworm Coatings for Enhancing the Water Resistance of Nanocellulose Film Substrates in Printed Electronics.

Cellulose-nanomaterial-derived films are promising platforms for engineering advanced substrates for printed electronics. However, they are highly susceptible to water and humidity, which limit their wide application. To overcome these drawbacks, cellulose nanoworms (distinct hydrophobized cellulose nanomaterials) were introduced in this study as sustainable coatings to enhance the water resistance of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films. Alcogels of nanoworms, produced via ethanol-induced swelling and ultrasonication of a cellulose pulp esterified in a deep eutectic solvent, form a dense and transparent coating on the CNF films, significantly inhibiting their water absorption and improving their surface smoothness. Furthermore, the resulting coated CNF films exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity with improved wet mechanical properties and lower water vapor permeability. In addition, the results of the ink-printing tests revealed that the coated films partially or completely inhibited ink removal. Thus, this study demonstrated that cellulose nanoworm coatings provide a promising approach to overcome the moisture sensitivity of CNF films.

Enhanced Barrier and Optical Properties of Inorganic Nano-Multilayers on PEN Substrate Through Hybrid Deposition.

In this study, an inorganic multilayer barrier film was fabricated on the polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate, which was composed of a SiO2 layer prepared by inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) and a Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminate produced by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). The multilayer composite film with a structure of 50 nm SiO2 + (4.5 nm Al2O3/6 nm ZnO) × 4 has excellent optical transmittance (88.1%) and extremely low water vapor permeability (3.3 × 10-5 g/m2/day, 38 °C, 90% RH), indicating the cooperation of the two advanced film growth methods. The results suggest that the defects of the SiO2 layer prepared by ICP-CVD were effectively repaired by the PEALD layer, which has excellent defect coverage. And Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminates have advantages over single-layer Al2O3 due to their complex diffusion pathways. The multilayer barrier film offers potential for encapsulating organic electronic devices that require a longer lifespan.

Fabrication of corn starch-based composite films functionalized by Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit pomace via extrusion compression molding for active food packaging

In this study, various levels (0 %–30 % w/w, based on corn starch) of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit pomace (RRTP) were used as antioxidant fillers to develop corn starch (CS)-based bioactive films via the extrusion compression molding technique. The results showed that incorporating RRTP into CS could remarkably improve the barrier, mechanical and antioxidant properties of the films compared to pure CS film. In particular, the composite film containing 30 % RRTP had the lowest water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability of 2.94 × 10−10 g·m·m−2·s−1·Pa−1 and 0.87 × 10−14 kg·m·m−2·s−1·Pa−1, respectively, together with the highest tensile strength of 3.41 MPa and the strongest DPPH scavenging activity of 88.59 %. LCMS analysis confirmed that RRTP contained many phenolic compounds, which conferred high antioxidant activity to the composite films. Additionally, FTIR analyses demonstrated the formation of hydrogen bonds between CS and RRTP, along with good compatibility as confirmed by XRD and SEM. More importantly, the mushrooms packaged in the CS/30%RRTP film maintained optimal appearance and freshness after 12 days at 4 °C, demonstrating the promising role as antioxidant active packaging for food, following new trends for functional packaging.

Development of antioxidant films based on anthocyanin microcapsules extracted from purple corn cob and incorporated into a chitosan matrix

Biodegradable food packaging films were prepared from chitosan incorporated with microencapsulated anthocyanins powder (MAP) that was extracted from purple corn cob using the casting method. Anthocyanins extracts were microencapsulated with maltodextrin, gum arabic, and soy protein using a spray-drying method. The film based on chitosan and MAP (CHt@MAP) was prepared through citric acid cross-linking and plasticization with glycerol. The structural analysis of the CHt@MAP film revealed a semicrystalline structure by X-ray diffraction. The interactions were mainly via electrostatic and hydrogen bonding, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared. Based on scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of the films revealed evidence of the presence of MAP on the surface and cross-section. The microcapsules inside the films produced an increase in thickness (0.18–0.21 mm), lower water vapor permeability (12.4–8.5 × 10−10 g m−1s−1Pa−1), and reduced elongation at break (217 % to 165 %), as well as tensile strength (1.3 to 0.45 MPa) compared to the chitosan film. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of CHt@MAP film was high, with a radical scavenging activity of 56 %. It also exhibited a strong barrier to UV and visible light. The results indicate that the CHt@MAP film preserves the shelf life of blueberries at room temperature and could be used as an active packaging film for foods.

Beet Root Peel Extract as a Natural Cost-Effective pH Indicator and Food Preservative in Edible Film: Shelf Life Improvement of Cold-Stored Trout Fillet.

In this study, chitosan (C)-polyvinyl alcohol (P) edible film containing bio-fabricated nanosilver particles (nAg) (as antimicrobial agent) and beetroot peel extract (BRPE) (as antioxidant agent and pH indicator) was used as spoilage indicator in cold-stored rainbow trout fillets. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (43.02%), reducing power (2.87), and total phenolic content (360.50 mg GAE/g) of ethanolic BRPE were higher than aqueous extract. Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using silver nitrate reduction by chitosan, confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscope images, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The highest tensile strength (4.20 MPa) and elongation at break (118%) belonged to the CP-BRPE film, and the lowest water vapor permeability (2.45 10-5 g/s/m/P) was related to the CP-nAg film. Also, the lowest total viable count (6.17 log CFU/g), psychrotrophic bacteria (6.27 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (4.9 log CFU/g), pH (5.66), total volatile basic-nitrogen (TVB-N) (22.1 mg/100 g of fish), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (0.705 mg MDA/kg of fish) values of the packaged trout fillets were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) observed in CP-BRPE-gnAg treatment among the other treatments at the end of the storage period, and CP-gnAg, CP-BRPE, and CP treatments were in the next ranks, respectively. Colorimetric analysis of the used films showed that the films containing BRPE depicted color spectra of red to yellow at the same time as the spoilage symptoms initiated in the packaged fillets. It is concluded that BRPE not only increased the preservative effects of chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol film containing green silver nanoparticles but also can be considered as a natural cost-effective spoilage indicator of the rainbow trout fillets during cold storage time.

Preparation and Characterization of Lithraea molleoides Gum Flour and Its Blend Films

Lithraea molleoides fruit gum (LMFG) is a valuable product obtained from the total hydrolysis of the fruit. The hydrolysis process involves three methods: thermal (LMFGT), alkaline (LMFGB), and acid (LMFGA). Through these methods, the aim is to break bonds and de-esterify polysaccharides, resulting in increased solubility and decreased molecular weight. The resulting hydrolysates are then combined with pectins in a 1:2 ratio to form films. In this study, the focus is on utilizing the hydrolysates of Lithraea molleoides gums for film applications, with an evaluation of their structural and physicochemical characteristics. The films produced exhibit excellent mechanical properties and low water vapor permeability, as well as exceptional thermal stability. These properties make them highly suitable for industrial films in pharmaceutical and food applications. This research highlights the potential of LMFG-based films as a viable solution for various industrial needs due to their outstanding performance across multiple parameters.

Rice starch-agar composite film decorated with green synthesized silver nanoparticles with superior properties

In this study glycerol-plasticized rice starch/agar-based eco-friendly composite film incorporated with Ocimum tenuiflorum and Murraya koenigii mixed leave extract (15 % v/v) and green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of concentration 1 mM were fabricated and evaluated the physical, mechanical, structural, antimicrobial and biodegradable properties. Sustainable packaging ought to lessen its ecological footprint and its effect on the environment. Boiled rice water, typically regarded as waste, is one of the best sources of starch. We used this boiled rice water to prepare the film directly. The aqueous leaf extract was also used for the synthesis of AgNPs via a simple, cost-effective and green approach. TEM analysis revealed an average particle size of 11.46 nm. Integration of the plant extract and AgNPs into the film matrix introduces antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria along with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties. SEM images displayed uniform and smooth surface of the films. The film containing AgNPs has the highest tensile strength of 11.4 ± 0.91 MPa with 56.8 ± 4.51 % elongation and the lowest water vapor permeability and water solubility (17.32 ± 2.20 %). This reveals that the prepared films can be employed as a promising, environmentally benign food packaging material to prolong the shelf life of the food. However, an increase in the concentration of AgNPs up to 2 mM, does not cause any significant improvements to the film’s overall properties. The fabricated films were utilized for wrapping green grapes, which show a reduction in weight loss and browning indicating the expansion of shelf life up to 12 days.

Physicochemical characterization of bioactive polysaccharides from three seaweed and application of functional fruit packaging films

Seaweed polysaccharides show tremendous research and application value because of their significant and unique biological activities. However, reports on seaweed polysaccharides usually focus on in-depth studies of a specific biological activity, which severely limits their further development. Herein, three seaweed polysaccharides were isolated from Undaria pinnatifida (UPPS), Sargassum pallidum (SPPS), and Ulva lactuca (ULPS), respectively. The physicochemical properties, structure, rheological properties, antioxidant activities, antibacterial activities, and anti-glycation activities of UPPS, ULPS, and SPPS were comprehensively studied. It was first demonstrated that SPPS and UPPS had triple prominent biological activities. SPPS exhibited the best biological activities in antioxidation (IC50 in the ABTS test: 0.4616 ± 0.0134 mg/mL), antibacterial effect, and anti-glycation activity (inhibitory rate: 84.74 ± 0.07 %). Additionally, UPPS films (UPPSF) demonstrated superior ultraviolet shielding performance, lower water vapor permeability (1.78 ± 0.01 g/m·s·Pa × 10−11), higher hydrophobicity (water contact angle: 96.91 ± 2.52°), and higher antioxidant activity compared to ULPS films (ULPSF). UPPSF and ULPSF effectively prolonged the shelf life of strawberries to six days, and UPPSF showed better preservation properties. This work provides novel theoretical insights into the use of polysaccharides as medicinal nutraceuticals, bioactive agents, and food packaging films.

Properties of Guar Gum/Pullulan/Loquat Leaf Extract Green Composite Packaging in Enhancing the Preservation of Chinese Water Chestnut Fresh-Cut Fruit.

Loquat leaf extract (LLE) was added to guar gum and pullulan as an environmentally friendly packaging film (GPE) to preserve Chinese water chestnuts (CWCs). The effect of the amount of LLE on the guar gum/pullulan composite film was investigated. The optimal amount of LLE was 4% (GPE4), with lower water vapor permeability (WVP) and greater mechanical strength, antioxidant, and comparable antibacterial performance than many pullulan-based films. Upon packing the CWCs for 4 days, the weight loss rate of GPE4 was only 1.80 ± 0.05%. For GPE4, the POD activity, the soluble solid content, and the vitamin C (Vc) content of the CWCs were 21.61%, 36.16%, and 26.22% higher than those of the control sample, respectively. More importantly, GPE4 was effective in preserving the quality of CWCs after 4 days of storage, better or at least comparable to non-biodegradable plastic wrapping (PE). Therefore, it can be concluded that GPE films hold significant promise as a sustainable alternative packaging material for preserving fruit-based foods like CWCs, potentially replacing PE in the future.

Preparation of active films with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties by combining ginger essential oil nanoemulsion with xylan and polyvinyl alcohol

Due to the environmental challenges of petroleum-based packaging, new biodegradable and active food packaging has garnered significant attention. In this work, active films were generated with xylan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the film-forming matrix, combined with ginger essential oil nanoemulsions (GEO-NEs) at varying concentrations (2.0 %, 4.0 %, 6.0 %, and 8.0 % w/w). The GEO-NEs, produced via ultrasound, had a mean particle size measuring 176.4 ± 1.2 nm and demonstrated excellent stability for up to 28 d. FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that interactions between GEO-NEs and the film matrix occurred through hydrogen bonding, indicating good compatibility between the components. Incorporating GEO-NEs significantly enhanced the UV shielding performance and mechanical characteristics of the composite films, achieving mechanical characteristics comparable to those of commercial packaging materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Additionally, composite films with 2 % and 4 % GEO-NEs exhibited lower water vapor permeability (WVP) than the control film, indicating improved water barrier performance. GEO-NEs also significantly improved the antioxidant activity of the composite films and imparted certain antimicrobial properties. As a result, these films hold promise for applications in active food packaging.

Sustainable Starch-Based Films from Cereals and Tubers: A Comparative Study on Cherry Tomato Preservation

Biodegradable films are sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, particularly in food preservation, where the barrier and mechanical properties are crucial for maintaining the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities of the product. This study evaluated films made from starches of corn, potato, cassava, yam, and wheat to determine their effectiveness in preserving cherry tomatoes. Amylose content, a key factor influencing the crystallinity and properties of the films, varied among the sources, with wheat starch having the highest (28.2%) and cassava the lowest (18.3%). The wheat starch film emerged as the best formulation, exhibiting the highest tensile strength and the lowest water vapor permeability (4.1 ± 0.3 g∙mm∙m−2∙h−1∙KPa−1), contributing to superior barrier performance. When applied to cherry tomatoes, the films based on wheat and corn starch showed the least moisture loss over fifteen days, highlighting their potential in fresh food preservation. These results suggest that starch-based films, specifically those rich in amylose, have significant potential as biodegradable packaging materials for food product conservation.

Multifunctional electrospun nanofibrous film integrated with cinnamon essential oil emulsion stabilized by dealkali lignin for active packaging material

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has good antibacterial properties, but its volatility, hydrophobicity and bad odor limit its use in food preservation. In this study, a dealkali lignin (DAL) stabilized emulsion loaded with CEO was encapsulated into poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and zein using an emulsion electrospinning technique. With the existence of DAL, the PVA/zein/DAL/CEO nanofibrous film (PVA/zein/DAL/CEO NF) exhibited good antioxidant properties. Moreover, higher antibacterial activity was achieved owing to the nanosized structure and enhanced stability compared to DAL/CEO emulsion and pure CEO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed uniformly produced PVA/zein/DAL/CEO NF with an average diameter of 295 nm. The interactions among the nanofibrous film's components were confirmed using attenuated total internal reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The nanofibrous film demonstrated a low water vapor permeability (WVP) of 5.07 mm∙g/(m2∙h∙kPa), which was beneficial for reducing moisture transfer from the external environment to the interior of the packaging. Additionally, the PVA/zein/DAL/CEO NF also exhibited a marked enhancement in antioxidant activity, neutralizing 94.54 % of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The nanofibrous film also demonstrated potent antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones measuring 19.47 mm for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 30.37 mm for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), respectively. This study provided a reference for preparing a multifunctional electrospun nanofibrous film integrated with CEO as an active packaging material.

Characteristics and properties of co-precipitated protein and film based on Bambara groundnut protein isolate and fish skin acid-soluble collagen

Co-precipitated protein (CPP) from Bambara groundnut protein isolate (BGPI) and fish skin acid-soluble collagen (ASC) at different BGPI/ASC ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 (v/v)) were prepared and characterized. CPP of BGPI/ASC at ratio of 75:25 had higher solubility at acidic and alkaline pHs, compared to other CPP samples. All CPPs had good emulsifying properties. Based on protein patterns, the combination of major bands from BGPI and ASC in the resulting CPP sample was observed. CPP with BGPI/ASC at ratio of 75:25 showed higher surface hydrophobicity than those of other CPP samples. When the films from CPPs were fabricated, similar tensile strength (p > 0.05) was observed, regardless of BGPI/ASC ratios. Nevertheless, film from CPP with BGPI/ASC ratio of 25:75 had higher elongation at break along with lower water vapor permeability (p < 0.05), compared to other CPP films. All CPP films had bright-yellowish color. Increasing ASC ratio augmented (p < 0.05) light transmission of resulting CPP films. FTIR spectra revealed that all CPP films had the similar pattern and functional groups. Therefore, the co-precipitated BGPI and ASC at appropriate ratio could improve properties of resulting proteins, especially for film forming ability.

Characterizations of the pullulan/sodium alginate coatings incorporated with sodium silicate and EDTA-2Na and the antifungal effect on citrus green mold

Citrus has suffered great losses from postharvest fungal diseases. The strategy of polysaccharide-based coating combined with antimicrobial salts was introduced to preserve citrus and control green mold. Sodium silicate and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid-2Na (EDTA-2Na) (SE) were incorporated with pullulan (PUL)/sodium alginate (SA) solutions to fabricate PSA-SE systems. The results indicated that the PSA-SE films had good biocompatibility based on hydrogen bonds and showed uniform and dense. The molecular of PUL and SA were assembled through entanglement to form a network structure and the surface roughness of the PSA-SE films increased with the addition of SA. The P3SA2-SE film indicated appropriate tensile strength and elongation at break, as well as the lowest water vapor permeability. The carbon dioxide and oxygen permeability and dissolution of P3SA2-SE film were at low values. The P3SA2-SE film had the highest water contact angle (66°). With the addition of SA, the absorbance of the PSA-SE films increased, which was conducive to light blocking. The antifungal experiments revealed that the P3SA2-SE coating showed a significant effect on controlling citrus green mold, especially in Citrus sinensis Osbeck ‘Lane Late’ almost completely inhibited Penicillium digitatum (P44). This study will promote the development of citrus postharvest disease control.

Development of fish gelatin film for anti-fogging mushroom packaging

Mushrooms are extremely perspiring and transpiring commodities. The commonly used plastic films for packaging fresh mushrooms have lower water vapour permeability compared to the rate at which mushrooms transpire, resulting in excessive moisture accumulation inside the package which leads to fogging. This study aimed to investigate the properties of a fish scale gelatin-based film and its correlation with antifogging properties. To produce the gelatin-based film, gelatin was extracted from fish scales using chemical pretreatment and thermal denaturation of collagen. A film-forming solution (FFS) was prepared by dissolving 2% (w/v) gelatin in a solvent, with the addition of glycerol. The solution was then cast to form the film, which underwent tests for mechanical strength, thermal behaviour, barrier properties, and antifogging performance. The resulting film (G-Gly) exhibited reduced tensile strength (13.21 MPa) but increased elongation at break (82.4%). Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a lower glass transition temperature (59.91 °C) for G-Gly. Both gelatin films displayed high water vapour permeability (1.69–3.09x10-6 g m/m2.day.Pa), preventing condensation. Notably, the G and G-Gly films remained fog-free even under varying temperatures, unlike linear low-density polyethylene film (LLDPE). In conclusion, the gelatin-based films demonstrated strong barrier properties and effective antifogging capabilities, making them suitable for moisture-sensitive commodities like mushrooms.

Self-powered sensors utilizing single-pillar thermocells with pyrolytic graphite sheet electrodes: harvesting body heat and solar thermal energy

This study investigates the development of self-powered sensors employing single-pillar thermocells to harness body heat and solar thermal energy. A pyrolytic graphite sheet was selected for its low water vapor permeability, and its surface was modified to be hydrophilic to minimize interfacial resistance. Two types of DC–DC converters, Asahi Kasei Microdevices AP4473 and matrix mercury, underwent evaluation for compatibility with these thermocells. The compact 1.5 cm3 (1 cm × 1 cm × 1.5 cm) device effectively powered the AP4473 converter, illuminating a light-emitting diode. A larger device (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 1.5 cm) efficiently drove the matrix mercury converter, enabling the operation of bluetooth low-power sensors. These self-powered sensors wirelessly provided humidity and temperature data using solar thermal energy for approximately 4 h per day during peak temperature differences in January. This study showcases the potential of thermocells for sustainable energy harvesting and suggests avenues for future research, such as exploring alternative heat sources like geothermal energy to power these sensors.

Anthocyanin modified by chondroitin sulphate and tannic acid improved the quality-indicating properties of gelatin-based intelligent film

A highly pH-responsive gelatin film incorporating purple cabbage anthocyanin (PCA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS)/tannic acid (TA) was developed. Co-pigmentation of PCA via CS/TA improved its photothermal stability and visibility of color change in gelatin film. The morphological and structural properties of CS-PCA and TA-PCA films revealed that a more stable network was formed as new hydrogen bonds were generated by the co-pigmentation. Meanwhile, the co-pigmentation improved film's mechanical and hydrophobic properties, expressed as higher tensile strength (16.65 and 17.97 Mpa) and lower water vapor permeability (1.45 and 1.41) in CS-PCA and TA-PCA films, compared to PCA film. CS-PCA and TA-PCA films showed distinct color transitions for chilled fish fillets during storage. Total color difference (ΔE) of CS-PCA and TA-PCA films correlated well with the deterioration indexes of total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N). All the results provided a novel pH-sensitive intelligent packaging strategy by co-pigmenting CS/TA with PCA for freshness monitoring.

Plant-Based Films for Food Packaging as a Plastic Waste Management Alternative: Potato and Cassava Starch Case.

The escalating environmental impact of plastic packaging waste necessitates sustainable alternatives in food packaging. This study explores starch-based films derived from cassava and potato as viable substitutes, aiming to mitigate plastic pollution and enhance environmental sustainability. Utilizing a casting method, formulations optimized by CCRD were characterized for their physical, physicochemical, and morphological properties. Comprehensive analysis revealed both cassava and potato starch films to exhibit robust structural integrity, high tensile strength (up to 32.6 MPa for cassava starch films), and semi-crystalline morphology. These films demonstrated low water vapor permeability and moderate solubility, akin to conventional low-density polyethylene used in packaging. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated glass transition temperatures between 116.36 °C and 119.35 °C, affirming thermal stability suitable for packaging applications. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed homogeneous film surfaces, with cassava starch films (C4-15) exhibiting superior transparency and uniformity. X-ray diffraction corroborated the films' semi-crystalline nature, unaffected by sorbitol content variations. Despite their mechanical and thermal suitability, further enhancements in thermal degradation resistance are essential for broader thermoprocessing applicability. These findings underscore the potential of starch-based films to be used as lids or other part of a food package, decreasing the plastic dependency in food packaging, contributing decisively to waste reduction and environmental preservation.