Speaker
Description
Abstract
Expanding production of non-biodegradable plastic packaging material is raising global concerns regarding environmental pollution. The production of synthetic packaging materials depletes non-renewable natural resources. The main purpose of this study is to develop an agriculture by-product-based renewable packaging material that can replace plastic packaging and serve as a food and to evaluate its properties. The study investigated how different portions of lime waste and Aloe vera gel influenced the properties of cassava starch-based edible films. Cassava starch was extracted from fresh cassava tubers; lime waste was taken from the valorisation of kitchen waste citrus; Aloe vera gel was extracted from fresh leaves and food-grade glycerol were used as raw materials. 3% (w/v) cassava starch, 1% (w/v) lime waste (peel/pulp/mixture of peel and pulp), Aloe vera gel (0-10% v/v), 1% (w/v) glycerol were incorporated in distilled water to produce six different edible film treatments via the casting method. The produced packaging materials were analysed based on their thickness, moisture content, solubility, migration test, microscopic observation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). These measurements were used to investigate their properties. All six edible films showed similar, insignificant results for thickness and moisture content. P1A0 (lime peel-based film without Aloe vera) showed the highest significant migration of polyphenols and exhibited the lowest solubility in water, and a smooth, pale-yellow microscopic image. In addition, FTIR and XRD results were similar for all edible films. In conclusion, P1 A0 edible film delivers promising results for producing an edible film that can function as a food packaging material, while replacing synthetic plastic packaging and promoting a sustainable, eco-friendly solution.
Key words: Aloe vera; Cassava starch; Edible film; Food packaging; Lime waste;
