Synthesis and characterization of Tinospora Cordifolia (Giloy) loaded biopolymer films for food packaging

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a concerning issue affecting the environment and human health globally. Food packaging with conventional plastics is one of the major contributors to plastic pollution. To address this issue, polysaccharide films, known for their biodegradable properties, are being explored as an alternative to food packaging materials. In this study, we developed a chitosan-based biopolymer film loaded with purified Tinospora cordifolia powder using the solvent casting method for food packaging applications. The characterization results confirm the successful incorporation of Tinospora cordifolia powder into chitosan film, by showing the intermolecular hydrogen bonding, changing the film’s nature, and altering the film’s morphology. Water absorption results exhibited improved water resistance, while water vapor permeability (WVP) increased with the addition of purified Tinospora cordifolia. A reduction in the UV-vis transmission value is observed with the addition of Tinospora cordifolia, offering enhanced protection against harmful UV light in food products. The film demonstrated thermal stability in temperature sweep and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results. The DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging assays showed an increase in antioxidant activity of the filler and films correspondingly with an increase in the concentration of Tinospora cordifolia powder, confirming the film’s good antioxidant properties, and Tinospora cordifolia also enhanced antibacterial effects against gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus). Food packaging and coating tests with green chillies, bananas, and eggplant demonstrate prolonged shelf life and confirm excellent soil biodegradability of 98%. Therefore, the chitosan film loaded with Tinospora cordifolia exhibits significant potential for the food packaging industry.