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<p>The environmental impact of synthetic packaging materials has prompted significant interest in biodegradable alternatives for fresh produce preservation. This study focuses on the development and characterization of agar-based biodegradable films incorporated with glycerol and natural bioactive extracts, namely pomegranate, green tea, and sweet lime, for extending the shelf life of <i>Syzygium cumini</i> (Jamun). Eggshell powder, known for its antimicrobial potential, was also evaluated after ultrasonic treatment to enhance its activity. The films were prepared using solvent casting and optimized for agar and glycerol concentrations. Characterization techniques including Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and thickness measurements were employed to assess structural and functional properties. Biochemical assays revealed significant antioxidant and phenolic activity in the incorporated extracts, with pomegranate and green tea showing the highest bioactivity. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and microbial plating, demonstrating strong inhibition against <i>Escherichia coli</i> and spoilage organisms, particularly in films containing pomegranate extract and sonicated eggshell powder, which achieved an inhibition zone of 16.5 ± 0.3&#xa0;mm. Shelf-life testing revealed that the optimized film formulation (4% agar and 4% glycerol) extended the storage life of jamun fruits up to 9&#xa0;days under ambient conditions, compared to 2–3&#xa0;days for unwrapped controls (a ~ 200% increase). The pomegranate–eggshell composite film achieved the highest antimicrobial inhibition zone of 16.5 ± 0.3&#xa0;mm against <i>E. coli</i>. SEM and FTIR analysis further confirmed the enhanced mechanical and structural integrity of the composite films. These findings support the potential application of active biodegradable films in sustainable fruit packaging systems.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Biodegradable agar-based films with natural extracts for extending the shelf life of jamun (Syzygium cumini)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月19日

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  • Anwayee Tamane,
  • Poonam Chim,
  • Naasrin Shaikh,
  • Lubna Shaik

摘要

The environmental impact of synthetic packaging materials has prompted significant interest in biodegradable alternatives for fresh produce preservation. This study focuses on the development and characterization of agar-based biodegradable films incorporated with glycerol and natural bioactive extracts, namely pomegranate, green tea, and sweet lime, for extending the shelf life of Syzygium cumini (Jamun). Eggshell powder, known for its antimicrobial potential, was also evaluated after ultrasonic treatment to enhance its activity. The films were prepared using solvent casting and optimized for agar and glycerol concentrations. Characterization techniques including Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and thickness measurements were employed to assess structural and functional properties. Biochemical assays revealed significant antioxidant and phenolic activity in the incorporated extracts, with pomegranate and green tea showing the highest bioactivity. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and microbial plating, demonstrating strong inhibition against Escherichia coli and spoilage organisms, particularly in films containing pomegranate extract and sonicated eggshell powder, which achieved an inhibition zone of 16.5 ± 0.3 mm. Shelf-life testing revealed that the optimized film formulation (4% agar and 4% glycerol) extended the storage life of jamun fruits up to 9 days under ambient conditions, compared to 2–3 days for unwrapped controls (a ~ 200% increase). The pomegranate–eggshell composite film achieved the highest antimicrobial inhibition zone of 16.5 ± 0.3 mm against E. coli. SEM and FTIR analysis further confirmed the enhanced mechanical and structural integrity of the composite films. These findings support the potential application of active biodegradable films in sustainable fruit packaging systems.

Graphical abstract