article · Journal of Polymers and the Environment
Researchers developed biodegradable bio-composite films combining gum Arabic with phenolic extract from Alpinia officinarum, also known as galangal. Incorporating the extract at a concentration of 0.25 grams per 100 millilitres improved key physical properties by decreasing moisture content, swelling, solubility, and water vapour permeability. Structural analysis confirmed physical interactions between the extract and the gum Arabic polymer, resulting in a uniform structure with a rough surface. Although adding the extract slightly reduced the thermal stability of the films, the resulting material remained satisfactorily stable. When tested on stored Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, the bio-composite packaging significantly reduced flesh browning and maintained firmness better than conventional commercial packaging materials over the storage period.
Perishable produce such as mushrooms deteriorates quickly after harvest, leading to food waste and commercial losses. Developing biodegradable films made from natural plant extracts and gum Arabic provides an alternative to synthetic plastic packaging. These bio-based films protect produce quality and extend shelf life while offering an environmentally friendly option for managing postharvest fresh food products.
This work demonstrates an applied, tested packaging solution suitable for postharvest storage of fresh mushrooms and potentially other perishable produce. Food packaging manufacturers and fresh produce distributors could utilise these bio-composite formulations to replace conventional packaging materials. The technology has been validated at the laboratory testing stage on real produce, indicating a pathway toward commercial pilot testing and scaling.
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Abstract The current study was performed to develop biodegradable films with matrix composed from gum Arabic (GA) and different concentrations from Alpinia officinarum phenolic extract (AOE). The color indices, physical properties, surface shape, crystallinity, mechanical properties and thermal stability of produced films were investigated. The incorporation of AOE extract (0.25 g/100 mL) inside GA films increased dark yellow color, reduced moisture, swelling, solubility and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films up to 10.29%, 21.05%, 14.15% and 4.20 × 10 −10 g H 2 O/m s p.a., respectively. Furthermore, the scanning electron micrographs showed uniform structure with rough surface and turmoil spots in the structure by increasing AOE concentration inside films. The FT-IR analysis showed typically bands that proved physical interaction between AOE extract and GA polymer. The fabricated films showed satisfied thermal stability manners with declining trend by incorporation of AOE inside GA films. Furthermore, the developed films showed significant effects on reducing the changes of browning index from 17.20 to 24.54 and firmness from 33.98 to 22.65 N of Agaricus bisporus caps during storage days compared with commercial packaging materials.
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DOI: 10.1007/s10924-022-02551-w
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