Novel Protein-Fiber Films from Agro-Waste: A Sustainable Approach for Antimicrobial Packaging

This research focuses on antimicrobial edible films made from protein and crude fiber obtained from cold-pressed chili pepper seed oil by-products. Films with protein and fiber were assessed for structural, mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties. Mechanical tests showed P-CF Film had better flexibility, while P Film achieved the highest elongation at break (33.76%) and tensile strength (0.46 MPa). Barrier properties revealed that films containing both protein and fiber had lower water vapor permeability and significantly higher oxygen permeability than films with only protein or fiber. Antimicrobial tests indicated that both P Film and P-CF Film were effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with P Film showing superior inhibition against Salmonella typhimurium. This study highlights the potential of using protein and crude fiber from chili pepper seed oil by-products to develop antimicrobial edible films, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional packaging.