Carboxymethyl cellulose‐based bioactive food packaging films incorporated with <i>Ficus religiosa/Psidium guajava</i> extracts: Effect of additive ratio variation

Abstract The incorporation of plant extract into biopolymers is an environment‐friendly method of fabricating bioactive films (BFs) with multifunctional properties for food packaging. The current work explores the development of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)‐based BFs by combining Ficus religiosa (Peepal) extract (PLE) and Psidium guajava (Guava) extract (GLE) in varying ratios. The impact of extract concentration on the films' physiochemical and functional properties was examined. The structural analysis of the films showed good compatibility between the polymer and extracts. The findings indicate that BFs with PLE and GLE in a 50:50 ratio exhibited better mechanical properties than other films. All the BFs enhanced oxidative stability and UV‐blocking properties. Among all combinations, the CMC/GLE 100 film (having only GLE and CMC) exhibited the highest antioxidant and UV‐blocking properties although transparency is slightly reduced. On employing the CMC/GLE 100 film as UV protective packaging, it was able to preserve the color and shape of grapes even after 48 h of direct UV exposure. CMC/GLE 100 film, when applied to pack fried items, exhibited enhanced oxidative stability. Overall, CMC/GLE 100 film can find potential applications for packaging fruits and fried items. Highlights CMC/GLE 100 film exhibited enhanced oxidative stability for packing fried items. CMC/GLE 100 film showed potential as UV‐blocking film for fruits' packing. CMC/GLE 100 film exhibited very good antioxidant potential. CMC/GLE 100 film has very good UV‐blocking properties but decreased transparency. BFs with PLE/GLE in a 50:50 ratio exhibits very good mechanical properties.