Development of balangu seed mucilage-gelatin films reinforced with TiO₂ nanoparticles and Echinops Setifer extract

This study developed bio-nanocomposite films from Balangu seed mucilage (BSM) and gelatin, incorporating TiO₂ nanoparticles alongside varying concentrations of Echinops setifer extract (EE) (0 %, 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 % v/v). FESEM analysis indicated that all films had smooth and uniform surfaces, suggesting good compatibility among the TiO₂ nanoparticles, EE, and the BSM-gelatin matrix. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the interactions between EE, TiO₂ nanoparticles, and the biopolymeric substrate. These interactions enhanced the water vapor and oxygen barrier properties, particularly as the EE concentration increased to 7.5 %. Thermal behavior analysis revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) dropped from 86.1°C in the film without EE to 75.1°C in the film containing 10 % EE, likely due to the plasticizing effect of the EE extract. This plasticizing effect resulted in greater elongation at break and a decreased elastic modulus. Consequently, the water vapor and oxygen permeability of the film without EE extract were 1.08 × 10⁻⁹ g·m⁻¹ ·Pa⁻¹ ·s⁻¹ and 0.35 × 10⁻³ g·m⁻²·s⁻¹ , respectively. As the EE concentration increased up to 7.5 %, these values decreased to 0.87 × 10⁻⁹ g·m⁻¹ ·Pa⁻¹ ·s⁻¹ and 0.23 × 10⁻³ g·m⁻²·s⁻¹ , respectively. Incorporating EE at concentrations up to 10 % enhanced functional properties, including total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, and antimicrobial activity. Additionally, as the concentration of EE increased, the films exhibited improved biodegradability, moisture content, water solubility, swelling ratio, and surface hydrophilicity, thereby boosting their environmental sustainability. • Barrier properties improved with Echinops setifer extract (EE) up to 7.5 %. • EE boosted films' antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. • EE increased biodegradability and water solubility. • Film flexibility rose while stiffness dropped with EE. • TiO₂ and EE were well integrated into the film matrix.