Development and Characterization of Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) Tuber Starch Incorporated Biodegradable Packaging Film

Non-biodegradable synthetic packaging materials cause tremendous harmful effects on the ecosystem. As an alternative, biodegradable packaging materials have been introduced in food industries. Starch is one of the most important polysaccharides used in the formulation of biodegradable edible packaging films. Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) tuber is rich source of starch. The main objective of this research was the development and characterization of bio-degradable films for fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Five treatments with different ingredient formulations of palmyrah starch and gelatine mixed in distilled water and glycerol were experimented in forming packaging film solution and their physical parameters were assessed. Results revealed that T3 treatment containing 4% starch and 1% gelatine had the highest tensile strength with 10.0±0.00 MPa. Also it has favourable values such as 4.10±0.00 g/m².d of water vapour transmission rate, 0.14±0.01 mm of film thickness, 14.43±0.02 % of moisture content, 63.09±0.03 % of solubility and 41.00±1.41 mm of elongation at break parameters. Further, T3 film was enriched by incorporating clove oil, cinnamon oil, and the preservatives such as sodium metabisulphite, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate to obtain antibacterial activity. The 1.5% concentration of clove oil or cinnamon oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus brevis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa while other concentrations were less effective.   The inhibitory zone was not observed in treatments with preservatives. In conclusion, the formulation comprised of 4% palmyrah tuber starch, 1% gelatine and 1.5% glycerol enriched with either 1.5% clove oil or cinnamon oil could be considered as the best formulation for development of biodegradable packaging material with antimicrobial activity.