Collagen–Agar Biocomposite Edible Smart Food Packaging Films

This scientific work focuses on the development of a binary blend composite film from agar and collagen. Agar is a polysaccharide comprising of alternating D-galactose and 3, 6-anhydro-L-galactopyranose. Collagen is a fibrous biodegradable protein procured from animal connective tissues having numerous biological functions such as tissue generation and cell adhesion. Collagen–agar biocomposite films were developed by solvent evaporation and casting techniques. In addition, beetroot powder was dispersed in the film matrix for smart pH-responsive food packaging applications. The films were thin and translucent having a swelling ratio of 65–68% and water solubility of 13–15%. The surface morphology of the films depicted porous fibrillar orientation in SEM studies. The mechanical attributes of the films were comparable to the common plastics, and the elastic modulus was recorded at 80–85 MPa. The films exhibited strong antioxidant properties and antimicrobial properties. The films demonstrated distinct color changes at different pH, and this property was utilized for smart sensing food packaging applications. Therefore, biopolymers like agar and collagen biocomposite films decked with beetroot powder demonstrated the attributes of an edible food smart packaging material.