Physicochemical properties of Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbasiana) Alginate Starch Biofilm reinforced with Orange Peel Extracts and Its Application on Lady finger banana

This study employed the casting method to fabricate biofilms comprising banana starch and alginate, fortified with orange peel extract. The resulting films were subjected to analysis using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, various physical attributes of the films were investigated, encompassing parameters including thickness, density, colour, porosity, moisture content, water solubility, water absorption, and water vapor permeability. The FTIR analysis unveiled the presence of diverse functional groups within the film, notably alkanes (CH), hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (C=O), and carboxylic acid (-COOH), which contribute to the enhancement of fruit longevity. The empirical results indicated that a film composition comprising banana starch and alginate reinforced with 1% orange peel extract exhibited favourable effects on bananas, diminishing the occurrence of black spots and retarding the ripening process. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of the film were elucidated, wherein a discernible barrier effect was observed in films augmented with 1% and 2% orange peel extract. This enhancement can be attributed to the infusion of phenolic compounds from the orange peel extract, conferring antimicrobial attributes to the film.