POLYSACCHARIDE BASED FILM AS A FOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL

Abstract

Using the solvent casting approach, a new composite hydrogel film based on ascorbic acid loaded carboxymethyl guar gum (CMG) and citric acid (CA) was produced for food packaging applications. The addition of glycerol to the formulation increased the film's flexibility and mechanical strength. The films were tested for anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the DPPH+ assay. MTT assay was used to assess the film's cytotoxicity. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA were used to perform structural, morphological, and thermal investigation on the film. The film's viscosity and mechanical strength were investigated. The film's fruit shelf life-enhancer qualities were also evaluated utilizing orange as a fruit sample.