Iron Nano Biocomposite-Infused Biopolymeric Films: A Multifunctional Approach for Robust Skin Repair.

Sodium alginate (SA) biopolymeric films have various limitations such as poor mechanical properties, high vapor permeability, lack of antibacterial activity, excessive burst release, and weak cell adhesion. To overcome these limitations, a strategy involving the integration of nanofillers into an SA film matrix is explored. In this context, a cost-effective iron-containing carbon nano biocomposite (FeCNB) nanofiller is developed using a solvent-free technique. This nanocomposite is successfully incorporated into the alginate film matrix at varying concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.15%) aimed at enhancing its physicochemical and biological properties for biomedical applications. Characterization through FESEM and BET analyses confirms the porous nature of the FeCNB. EDX shows the FeCNB's uniform distribution upon its integration into the film matrix, albeit without strong chemical interaction with SA. Instead, hydrogen bonding interactions become apparent in the FTIR spectra. By incorporating the FeCNB, the mechanical attributes of the films are improved and the water vapor permeability approaches the desired range (2000-2500 g/m2day). The film's swelling ratio reduction contributes to a decrease in water permeability. The antibacterial activity and sustained release property of the FeCNB-incorporated film are established using tetracycline hydrochloride (TCl), a model drug. The drug release profile resembled Korsmeyer-Peppas's release pattern. In vitro assessments via the MTT assay and scratch assay on NIH-3T3 cells reveal that FeCNB has no adverse effects on the biocompatibility of alginate films. The cell proliferation and adhesion to the SA film are significantly enhanced after infusion of the FeCNB. The in vivo study performed on the rat model demonstrates improved wound healing by FeCNB-impregnated films. Based on the comprehensive findings, the proposed FeCNB-incorporated alginate films prove to be a promising candidate for robust skin repair.

The Influence of Various Crosslinking Conditions of EDC/NHS on the Properties of Fish Collagen Film.

The process of crosslinking improves the physicochemical properties of biopolymer-based composites, making them valuable for biomedical applications. EDC/NHS-crosslinked collagen materials have a significant potential for tissue engineering applications, due to their enhanced properties and biocompatibility. Chemical crosslinking of samples can be carried out in several ways, which is crucial and has a direct effect on the final properties of the obtained material. In this study, the effect of crosslinking conditions on the properties of collagen films using EDC and NHS was investigated. Studies included FTIR spectroscopy, AFM, swelling and degradation tests, mechanical testing and contact angle measurements. Evaluation of prepared collagen films indicated that both crosslinking agents and crosslinking conditions influenced film properties. Notable alternations were observed in the infrared spectrum of the sample, to which EDC was added directly to the fish collagen solution. The same sample indicated the lowest Young modulus, tensile strength and breaking force parameters and the highest elongation at break. All samples reached the maximum swelling degree two hours after immersion in PBS solution; however, the immersion-crosslinked samples exhibited a significantly lower degree of swelling and were highly durable. The highest roughness was observed for the collagen film crosslinked with EDC, whereas the lowest was observed for the specimen crosslinked with EDC with NHS addition. The crosslinking agents increased the surface roughness of the collagen film, except for the sample modified with the addition of EDC and NHS mixture. All films were characterized by hydrophilic character. The films' modification resulted in a decrease in their hydrophilicity and wettability. Our research allows for a comparison of proposed EDC/NHS crosslinking conditions and their influence on the physicochemical properties of fish collagen thin films. EDC and NHS are promising crosslinking agents for the modification of fish collagen used in biomedical applications.

Dialdehyde Starch as a Cross-Linking Agent Modifying Fish Collagen Film Properties.

The aim of this research was the modification of fish collagen films with various amounts of dialdehyde starch (DAS). Film properties were examined before and after the cross-linking process by DAS. Prepared biopolymer materials were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Moreover, the mechanical, thermal and swelling properties of the films were evaluated and the contact angle was measured. Research has shown that dialdehyde starch applied as a cross-linking agent influences collagen film properties. Mechanical testing indicated a decrease in Young's Modulus and an increase in breaking force, elongation at break, and tensile strength parameters. Results for contact angle were significantly higher for collagen films cross-linked with DAS; thus, the hydrophilicity of samples decreased. Modified samples presented a lower swelling degree in PBS than native collagen films. However, the highest values for the degree of swelling among the modified specimens were obtained from the 1% DAS samples, which were 717% and 702% for 1% and 2% collagen, respectively. Based on AFM images and roughness values, it was noticed that DAS influenced collagen film surface morphology. The lowest value of Rq was observed for 2%Coll_2%DAS and was approximately 10 nm. Analyzing thermograms for collagen samples, it was observed that pure collagen samples were less thermally stable than cross-linked ones. Dialdehyde starch is a promising cross-linking agent for collagen extracted from fish skin and may increase its applicability.

Moisture loss inhibition with biopolymer films for preservation of fruits and vegetables: A review.

In cold storage, fruits and vegetables still keep a low respiratory rate. Although cold storage is beneficial to maintain the quality of some fruits and vegetables, several factors (temperature and humidity fluctuations, heat inflow, air velocity, light, etc.) will accelerate moisture loss. Biopolymer films have attracted great attention for fruits and vegetables preservation because of their biodegradable and barrier properties. However, there is still a certain amount of water transfer occurring between storage environment/biopolymer films/fruits and vegetables (EFF). The effect of biopolymer films to inhibit moisture loss of fruits and vegetables and the water transfer mechanism in EFF system need to be studied systematically. Therefore, the moisture loss of fruits and vegetables, crucial properties, major components, fabrication methods, and formation mechanisms of biopolymer films were reviewed. Further, this study highlights the EFF system, responses of fruits and vegetables, and water transfer in EFF. This work aims to clarify the characteristics of EFF members, their influence on each other, and water transfer, which is conducive to improving the preservation efficiency of fruits and vegetables purposefully in future studies. In addition, the prospects of studies in EFF systems are shown.

Hydrophobic, Sustainable, High-Barrier Regenerated Cellulose Film via a Simple One-Step Silylation Reaction.

With the increasing importance of environmental protection, high-performance biopolymer films have received considerable attention as effective alternatives to petroleum-based polymer films. In this study, we developed hydrophobic regenerated cellulose (RC) films with good barrier properties through a simple gas-solid reaction via the chemical vapor deposition of alkyltrichlorosilane. RC films were employed to construct a biodegradable, free-standing substrate matrix, and methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) was used as a hydrophobic coating material to control the wettability and improve the barrier properties of the final films. MTS readily coupled with hydroxyl groups on the RC surface through a condensation reaction. We demonstrated that the MTS-modified RC (MTS/RC) films were optically transparent, mechanically strong, and hydrophobic. In particular, the obtained MTS/RC films exhibited a low oxygen transmission rate of 3 cm3/m2 per day and a low water vapor transmission rate of 41 g/m2 per day, which are superior to those of other hydrophobic biopolymer films.

A New Method to Determine Antioxidant Activities of Biofilms Using a pH Indicator (Resazurin) Model System.

Biopolymeric films were prepared with gelatin, plasticizer, and three different types of antioxidants (ascorbic acid, phytic acid, and BHA) corresponding to different mechanisms in activity. The antioxidant activity of films was monitored for 14 storage days upon color changes using a pH indicator (resazurin). The instant antioxidant activity of films was measured by a DPPH free radical test. The system using resazurin was composed of an agar, an emulsifier, and soybean oil to simulate a highly oxidative oil-based food system (AES-R). Gelatin-based films (GBF) containing phytic acid showed higher tensile strength and energy to break than all other samples due to the increased intermolecular interactions between phytic acid and gelatin molecules. The oxygen barrier properties of GBF films containing ascorbic acid and phytic acid increased due to the increased polarity, while GBF films containing BHA showed increased oxygen permeability compared to the control. According to "a-value" (redness) of the AES-R system tested with films, films incorporating BHA showed the most retardation of lipid oxidation in the system. This retardation corresponds to 59.8% antioxidation activity at 14 days, compared with the control. Phytic acid-based films did not show antioxidant activity, whereas ascorbic acid-based GBFs accelerated the oxidation process due to its prooxidant activity. The comparison between the DPPH free radical test and the control showed that the ascorbic acid and BHA-based GBFs showed highly effective free radical scavenging behavior (71.7% and 41.7%, respectively). This novel method using a pH indicator system can potentially determine the antioxidation activity of biopolymer films and film-based samples in a food system.

Coffee Waste Macro-Particle Enhancement in Biopolymer Materials for Edible Packaging.

Plastic pollution has raised interest in biodegradable and sustainable plastic alternatives. For edible food packaging, seaweed biopolymers have been studied for their film-forming properties. In this study, packaging films were developed using the solvent casting technique from natural red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and coffee waste product. The physico-chemical and thermal properties of seaweed/coffee biopolymer films was obtained using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transmission irradiation (FT-IR), water contact angle measurement (WCA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The characterization study was carried out to improve the film's morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties. The average particle size of coffee waste was found to be between 1.106 and 1.281 µm, with a zeta potential value of -27.0 mV indicating the compound's strong negative charge. The SEM analysis revealed that the coffee filler was evenly dispersed in the polymer matrix, improving the film's structural properties. The FT-IR result shows that coffee waste was successfully incorporated over the film matrix with the presence of a N-H bond. The hydrophobic property of the film was enhanced with the incorporation of coffee filler, indicating increased water contact angle compared to the neat film. The tensile properties of the biopolymer film were significantly improved at 4 wt% coffee powder with optimum tensile strength (35.47 MPa) with the addition of coffee waste powder. The incorporation of coffee waste into the seaweed matrix increased the functional properties of the fabricated biopolymer film. Thus, seaweed/coffee biopolymer film has the potential to be used in food packaging and other applications.

Biopolymer Food Packaging Films Incorporated with Essential Oils.

Petroleum-based packaging materials are typically nonbiodegradable, which leads to significant adverse environmental and health issues. Therefore, developing novel efficient, biodegradable, and nontoxic food packaging film materials has attracted increasing attention from researchers. Due to significant research and advanced technology, synthetic additives in packaging materials are progressively replaced with natural substances such as essential oils (EOs). EOs demonstrate favorable antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which would be an economical and effective alternative to synthetic additives. This review summarized the possible antioxidant and antimicrobial mechanisms of various EOs. We analyzed the properties and performance of food packaging films based on various biopolymers incorporated with EOs. The progress in intelligent packaging materials has been discussed as a prospect of food packaging materials. Finally, the current challenges regarding the practical application of EOs-containing biopolymer films in food packaging and areas of future research have been summarized.

Development and characterization of chitosan/bacterial cellulose/pullulan bilayer film with sustained release curcumin.

A natural biopolymer bilayer film based on chitosan and bacterial cellulose with a protective layer of pullulan was developed by a two-step solution casting method. Curcumin was incorporated as an active antioxidant and antibacterial agent into the inner layer. The films with different curcumin concentrations were systematically characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses showed high compatibility between curcumin and the polysaccharide matrix through intermolecular interactions, which was verified by enhanced mechanical and barrier properties. The curcumin incorporation improved the thermal stability by >35.4 %, along with lower visible and ultraviolet light transmittance (< 8.6 %) and water solubility (< 25.1 %). The film had both antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and the sustained release of curcumin was largest (> 58.8 %) in the fatty food simulant lasting for over 155 h. The results suggested that the film containing 0.2 % curcumin had ideal physical and functional properties, suggesting its potential as a novel packaging material for the preservation of high-fat food.

Hydrophobicity and Biodegradability of Silane-Treated Nanocellulose in Biopolymer for High-Grade Packaging Applications.

The growing concern about pollution produced by plastic waste and the consequent environmental dangers has led to increased interest in replacing plastics with sustainable and biodegradable alternatives. Biopolymers such as seaweed have been examined for their film-forming characteristics to make edible films for packaging applications. This study aimed to prepare biopolymeric packaging films through a solvent-casting process using natural red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and kenaf cellulose nanofiber (CNF), followed by film surface treatment using silane. The hydrophobic properties of the seaweed/CNF biopolymer were examined through water solubility (WS), moisture absorption capacity (MAC), water vapor permeability (WVP), and contact angle (CA) measurements. Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) film spectra clearly showed successful modification of the seaweed film (SF) by silane and the incorporation of kenaf CNF over the surface of the seaweed film. The wettability-related analysis showed positive results in determining the modified film's hydrophobicity properties. Film degradation analysis using the soil burial method showed a lower degradation rate for films with a higher CNF loading. Overall, the characterization results of the seaweed/CNF biopolymer film predicted hydrophobicity properties. The slow degradation rate was improved with surface modification using silane treatment and the incorporation of kenaf CNF filler with the seaweed matrix. As a result, we found that the seaweed/CNF biopolymer film could be used as high-grade packaging material in many potential applications.

Characterisation and Colour Response of Smart Sago Starch-Based Packaging Films Incorporated with Brassica oleracea Anthocyanin.

To meet the need for food products to be safe and fresh, smart food packaging that can monitor and give information about the quality of packaged food has been developed. In this study, pH-sensitive films with sago starch and various anthocyanin concentrations of Brassica oleracea also known as red cabbage anthocyanin (RCA) at 8, 10, 12, and 14% (w/v) were manufactured using the solvent casting process. Investigation of the physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of the films was performed and analysed. The response of these materials against pH changes was evaluated with buffers of different pH. When the films were exposed to a series of pH buffers (pH 3, 5, 9, 11, and 13), the RCA-associated films displayed a spectacular colour response. In addition, the ability of the starch matrix to overcome the leaching and release of anthocyanins was investigated. Higher concentrations of RCA can maintain the colour difference of films after being immersed in a series of buffer solutions ranging from acidic to basic conditions. Other than that, incorporating RCA extracts into the starch formulation increased the thickness whereas the water content, swelling degree, tensile strength, and elongation at break decreased as compared to films without RCA. The immobilisation of anthocyanin into the film was confirmed by the FTIR measurements. The surface patterns of films were heterogeneous and irregular due to the presence of RCA extract aggregates, which increased as the extract concentration enhanced. However, this would not affect the properties of films. An increase in thermal stability was noted for the anthocyanin-containing films at the final stage of degradation in TGA analysis. It is concluded that RCA and sago starch formulation has great potential to be explored for food packaging purposes.

Antibacterial Gelidium amansii polysaccharide-based edible films containing cyclic adenosine monophosphate for bioactive packaging.

A homogeneous polysaccharide (GAP), with a molecular weight of 51.8 kDa, was isolated from edible red seaweed Gelidium amansii. Composition analysis suggested GAP contained 5.31% sulfate and 17.33% 3,6-anhydro-galactose and was mainly composed of galactose. Furthermore, GAP, as a biopolymer matrix, was used to form the composite films with the small biological molecules cytidine-5'-monophosphate (CMP), adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that CMP, AMP, and cAMP interacted with the film substrates and might made films more complex. Notably, the addition of CMP, AMP, and cAMP promoted the light, water vapor, and oxygen barrier ability, surface wettability, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria. Finally, GAP-based films composited with cAMP (cAMPF) exhibited the best characteristics were applied to fish packaging and preservation at 4 °C and extended the fish shelf life. All these data suggested the potential value of cAMPF as a functional edible polysaccharide film applied in food industries.

Guar gum propionate-kojic acid films for Escherichia coli biofilm disruption and simultaneous inhibition of planktonic growth.

Nosocomial bacterial infections associated with biofilms inspire to explore newer bactericidal strategy with eco-friendly biomaterials as sustainable alternatives. In this research work, we successfully developed bio-safe films from kojic acid(KA) and guar gum propionate(GGP) for Escherichia coli biofilm disruption and planktonic cell killing. High DS(degree of substitution = 1.52) GGP was synthesized from guar gum (GG)assisted by chaotropic ions at room-temperature. Biopolymers were routinely characterized in CHN analyzer, FT-IR, TGA and XRD analysis. KA loaded GGP films were prepared by cross-linking the molecules in presence of epichlorhydrin and two different percentages of KA were employed. Film physical and tensile properties were systematically evaluated and optimized. Water vapour permeability (WVP) and tensile strength of final film GGPFK10 were recorded at 0.741 ± 0.09gmm-1kPa-1h-1 and 19.23 MPa. KA release from GGP matrix followed controlled diffusion process. MIC of GGP was 130 µg/mL and zone of inhibition of GGPFK10 was confirmed at 16.1 mm. SEM experiments disclosed the absence of pili-like structures with squeezed and elongated cellular morphology in dead planktonic cells. Disruption of biofilms was experimented in detail by CV assay, fluorescent, light microscopic and SEM studies. The film showed excellent cell-viability on human adult dermal fibroblast (HADF)cell-line. Overall, the biosafe film would be a potent antibacterial device for treating infections against E.coli biofilms and planktonic cells.

Starch/Polyaniline Biopolymer Film as Potential Intelligent Food Packaging with Colourimetric Ammonia Sensor.

The use of petroleum-based plastics in food packaging leads to various environmental impacts, while spoilage of food and misinterpretation of food-date labelling account for food insecurity; therefore, a biopolymer capable of indicating food edibility is prepared to resolve these issues. In this research, starch/polyaniline (starch/PANI) biopolymer film was synthesised and investigated as an ammonia sensor for potential application as intelligent food packaging. FT-IR and XRD were used to confirm the composition of the biopolymer films, while UV-Vis spectrometry was applied to identify the oxidation state of PANI in emeraldine form. PANI was successfully incorporated into the starch matrix, leading to better thermal stability (TGA) but decreasing the crystallinity of the matrix (DSC). The performance of the polymer-film sensor was determined through ammonia-vapour sensitivity analysis. An obvious colour change from green to blue of starch/PANI films was observed upon exposure to the ammonia vapour. Starch/PANI 0.4% is the optimum composition, having the best sensor performance with good linearity (R2 = 0.9459) and precision (RSD = 8.72%), and exhibiting excellent LOD (245 ppm). Furthermore, the starch/PANI films are only selective to ammonia. Therefore, the starch/PANI films can be potentially applied as colourimetric ammonia sensors for intelligent food packaging.

Preparation and Characterization of Bioactive Chitosan Film Loaded with Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Leaf Extract.

Chitosan is a biopolymer known for its rapid biodegradability and film-forming properties. This research aimed to synthesize and characterize chitosan films loaded with cashew leaf extract (CLE) obtained from immature and mature cashew leaves via aqueous and 70% ethanolic extraction methods. Freeze-dried CLE samples were dissolved in 50% dimethyl sulfoxide for in vitro analysis and chitosan film preparation. The total phenolic content of mature cashew leaves extracted in ethanol (MECLE) showed higher free radicle scavenging activity by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay than the other extracts (p < 0.05). MECLE displayed a lower minimal inhibitory concentration, minimum fungal concentration, and higher zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Film-forming solutions were prepared using 2% chitosan, 2% chitosan with 5% mature cashew leaves extracted in deionized water (MACLE) (w/v), and 2% chitosan with 5% MECLE (w/v), respectively, to cast films. Of these, 2% chitosan (CH) with 5% MECLE (CH-MECLE-5) displayed the highest thickness and water vapor transmission rate, water vapor permeability, and oxygen transmission rate when compared to other film samples (p < 0.05). The CH-MECLE-5 film showed the highest inhibition zone of A. niger compared to the control and treated films (p < 0.05). The lightness (L*) of the CH-MECLE-5 film decreased with increment in b* values, which represented the yellow color of the film. In addition, two-photon microscopy revealed a uniform distribution via the auto-fluorescent 3D structure of MECLE in the CH-MECLE-5 film. Therefore, chitosan combined with 5% MECLE may be a potential bioactive and eco-friendly packaging film.

Anthocyanin food colorant and its application in pH-responsive color change indicator films.

Recently, interest in smart packaging, which can show the color change of the packaging film according to the state of the food and evaluate the quality or freshness of the packaged food in real-time, is increasing. As a color indicator, a natural colorant, anthocyanin, drew a lot of attention due to their various colors as well as useful functions properties such as antioxidant activity and anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. In particular, the pH-responsive color-changing function of anthocyanins is useful for making color indicator smart packaging films. This review addressed the latest information on the use of natural pigment anthocyanins for intelligent and active food packaging applications. Recent studies on eco-friendly biodegradable polymer-based color indicator films incorporated with anthocyanins have been addressed. Also, studies on the use of smart packaging films to monitor the freshness of foods such as milk, meat, and fish were reviewed. This review highlights the potential and challenges for the use of anthocyanins as pH-responsive color-changing films for intelligent food packaging applications, which may be beneficial for further development of smart color indicator films for practical use.

Treatment of starch films with a glow discharge plasma in air and O2 at low pressure.

In this study, the effect of different cold plasma treatments was investigated as a novel method for the modification of starch film properties. The films were prepared from wheat starch using a solvent casting method and then treated with air and O2 glow discharge plasma at different durations (4, 8, and 12 min). A significant increase in the hydrophilicity of the films was observed due to the formation of oxygen-containing groups after plasma treatment. Fourier transform infrared analysis illustrated a decrease in C-H groups that caused an increase in C-O and C-O-C groups in air-treated films and carbonyl groups in O2-treated films. The surface roughness of the treated films increased from 17.6 nm to 22.5 and 20.6 nm after air and O2 treatments, respectively. Plasma treatments decreased oxygen permeability of the films but no significant difference in the water vapor permeability was observed. After plasma treatment, tensile strength of films was improved due to crosslinking and etching at the surface, although elongation at break remains unchanged.

Reinforcement of Refined and Semi-Refined Carrageenan Film with Nanocellulose.

Carrageenans obtained from seaweeds can be processed into films for a range of applications including food packaging. The level of carrageenan refinement during extraction can influence the key properties, with semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) containing more impurities than the more refined carrageenan (RC). Further refinement steps, however, result in higher costs associated with the production of RC. In order to obtain a lower cost and more ecofriendly, bio-based material for food packaging applications, SRC was used in this investigation to produce a thin film reinforced with nanocellulose fibrils (NCF). Films derived from RC containing NCF were also investigated with water sensitivity and physico-mechanical and thermal properties among the properties tested. Levels of NCF were varied from 1% to 7% (w/w), and in general, the NCF reinforcement improved the overall properties of both the SRC and RC films, including the water sensitivity and moisture barrier. However, NCF inclusion in SRC film was less effective with regard to the mechanical and thermal properties compared with NCF inclusion in RC film. The enhancement in properties was attributed to the greater cohesiveness of the reinforced polymer structure and the crystalline regions formed in the structures of SRC and RC films by NCF incorporation.

Active edible furcellaran/whey protein films with yerba mate and white tea extracts: Preparation, characterization and its application to fresh soft rennet-curd cheese.

Biopolymer films based on furcellaran-whey protein isolate (FUR/WPI) and furcellaran-whey protein isolate incorporated with yerba mate extract (FUR/WPI + YM) and with white tea extract (FUR/WPI + WT) were successfully developed and investigated as active packaging materials for fresh soft rennet-curd cheese. YM improved water vapour permeability, water content, solubility, modulus elasticity, puncture strength and thermal stability of film. Water content and water activity decreased (P ≤ .05) during storage in cheese packed in each kind of the biopolymer films. These parameters did not change (P > .05) in control wrapped in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Likewise, pH decreased with the exception of the application of LLDPE and FUR/WPI + YM. In those cheese samples pH did not differ (P > .05) during storage. Total bacteria count decreased (P ≤ .05) in the cheese samples wrapped in edible films during storage. However, their levels were not significantly lower than control samples when compared within the storage week. The yeast and mould counts did not differ (P > .05) during storage for the cheese packed in FUR/WPI + WT, whereas it increased in other cheese samples. The coliform bacteria count decreased (P ≤ .05) during storage in all examined cheese samples. Overall organoleptic quality was more often rated as desirable and very desirable in cheese packed in edible films than in LLDPE.

Rice stubble as a new biopolymer source to produce carboxymethyl cellulose-blended films.

Rice stubble is agricultural waste consisting of cellulose which can be converted to carboxymethyl cellulose from rice stubble (CMCr) as a potential biomaterial. Plasticizer types (glycerol and olive oil) and their contents were investigated to provide flexibility for use as food packaging material. Glycerol content enhanced extensibility, while olive oil content improved the moisture barrier of films. Additionally, CMCr showed potential as a replacement for up to 50% of commercial CMC without any changes in mechanical and permeability properties. A mixture of plasticizers (10% glycerol and 10% olive oil) provided blended film with good water barrier and mechanical properties comparable with 20% individual plasticizer. Principle component (PC) analysis with 2 PCs explained approximately 81% of the total variance, was a useful tool to select a suitable plasticizer ratio for blended film production. Therefore, CMCr can be used to form edible film and coating as a renewable environmentally friendly packaging material.