Preparation and evaluation of bioactive cellulose acetate films from Musa acuminata

Natural biodegradable polymers can be utilized in place of synthetic materials used in food packaging, as they are more effective from an economic and environmental standpoint. Cellulose acetate, derived from the esterification of cellulose with acetic anhydride, possesses inherent properties that can be enhanced by incorporating essential oils, thereby strengthening its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In this study, cellulose acetate films were fabricated using extracts from Musa acuminata (banana) leaves, with varying concentrations (25%, 50%, and 75%) of tea tree oil. Efficient cellulose extraction from Musa acuminata leaves was achieved after a 30 min incubation period, with optimal cellulose acetate production obtained following a 30 min delignification process and subsequent 15 min bleaching treatment. Among the cellulose acetate films produced, designated as CAT1 (25% tea tree oil), CAT2 (50% tea tree oil), and CAT3 (75% tea tree oil), CAT1 exhibited reduced opacity while CAT3 displayed the lowest water uptake capacity. Notably, CAT3 demonstrated pronounced antibacterial and antifungal activities, along with substantial phenolic content and antioxidant potential, surpassing CAT2 and CAT1. The environmental sustainability of the cellulose acetate films was demonstrated by their notable biodegradability and significant swelling in water and chloroform solvents. Moreover, the films exhibited varying solubility in organic solvents. Remarkably, the developed films effectively extended the shelf life of fruits, resulting in significantly reduced weight loss and deterioration compared to both unpacked fruits and those wrapped in polyethylene packaging. These findings underscore the potential of cellulose acetate-based films as sustainable alternatives for food packaging, offering enhanced functionality while minimizing environmental impact.