Starch-based antimicrobial films functionalized by pomegranate peel

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules Vol. 129; pp. 1120 - 1126
• Main Authors: Ali, Amjad, Chen, Ying, Liu, Hongsheng, Yu, Long, Baloch, Zulqarnain, Khalid, Saud, Zhu, Jian, Chen, Ling
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.05.2019
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Antimicrobial; Food package; Food Packaging; Mechanical Phenomena; Pomegranate peel; Punicaceae - chemistry; Salmonella - drug effects; Staphylococcus aureus - drug effects; Starch; Starch - chemistry; Starch - pharmacology; Antimicrobial; Pomegranate peel; Starch; Film; Food package
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.068

In this work, pomegranate peel (PGP) as an antimicrobial agent as well as a reinforcing agent was utilized in developing starch-based films. Hydroxypropyl high-amylose starch plasticized by water and glycerol was used in this work. The microstructure and performance of films were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical analyzer, tensile testing, drop impact testing and disc diffusion test. Results clearly demonstrated that PGP inhibited the growth of both gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (Salmonella) bacteria. Meanwhile, PGP also increased Young's modulus, tensile strength and stiffness of the starch-based films. Both OM and SEM observations indicated reasonably good compatibility between starch and PGP particles. The XRD results indicated that PGP retained its semi-crystalline structure in the film, which can be used to explain the mechanism of mechanical reinforcement. Since all the components are food ingredients, so it is expected that the developed material can be used as an edible film and food grade packaging material. •Pomegranate peel particles were directly added into starch-based film.•Pomegranate peel acted as antimicrobial and reinforcing agents for starch film.•Reinforcement mechanisms were discussed based on microstructures and interface.•Film developed can be used for antimicrobial food and edible packaging.