Development, Analysis and Application of Novel Anti-Oxidant Food Packaging Films from Date Seeds - Date Seeds Extract Encapsulated Porous Nanocarriers for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

This study aimed to develop innovative controlled-release food packaging films using starch and sodium alginate blend matrices, incorporating different weight percentages of date seed extract-encapsulated mesoporous silica (DSE@MCM-41). A thorough characterization of these films was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Tensile Strength, Water Vapor Permeability, and Water Solubility tests. The FTIR analysis confirmed the successful encapsulation of DSE into MCM-41, with an encapsulation efficiency of 91%. SEM images revealed a uniform surface morphology across all films, and the films demonstrated varying mechanical and physical properties based on DSE@MCM-41 concentration. Notably, the film with 5 wt% DSE@MCM-41 exhibited the highest tensile strength and lower solubility, while the 1 wt% DSE@MCM-41 film showed reduced water vapor permeability and superior performance in food preservation compared to traditional polyethylene films. Additionally, the 7.5 wt% DSE@MCM-41 film demonstrated the highest opacity and was most effective in UV protection, indicating its suitability for protecting light-sensitive food products. The DSE@MCM-41 also exhibited promising antimicrobial properties, effectively inhibiting E. coli and S. aureus for over three days. The incorporation of DSE@MCM-41 into starch/sodium alginate films not only provides sustained release of antioxidants but reduces solubility, and increases opacity. These findings suggest that St/SA/DSE@MCM-41 composite films seem to hold potential for further exploration and could be promising for specific uses in the food packaging industry.

Date of Award	18 Dec 2023
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Fawzi Banat (Supervisor)