Extraction and Applications of Oakmoss Absolute Extract as a Functional Ingredient in Alginate-Guar Gum Composite Films for Food Packaging

Abstract

Oakmoss absolute extract (OME) is a potential source for active antimicrobial and antioxidant components that can be used to develop an active packaging material. Active films were developed by impregnation of OME in sodium alginate (SA) and guar gum (GG)-based films. The effects of 0.5%–1.5% OME (w/v) over the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of SA-GG films were assessed. The mechanical properties (TS, EAB), water permeability, thickness, and opacity increased; however, moisture content decreased with the increase in the concentration of OME. SEM analysis represents that incorporation of OME resulted into heterogenous structure with pores and cracks. FTIR analysis showed that the addition of OME into SA-GG triggered interactions between SA-GG and OME. The color attributes of SA-GG films were significantly affected by the incorporation of OME. The XRD analysis revealed that the amorphous nature of the film remained unchanged after impregnation with OME. The films loaded with OME demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH as well as ABTS radical scavenging) than control film. Thus, the addition of OME into SA-GG film was a valuable approach to synthesize active, bio-functional, and eco-friendly packing for the food industry.