Thakal (Phoenix acaulis Roxb.) fruit extract incorporated biofilm: synthesis and characterization for food packaging applications

This research investigates the growing area of bio-based active food packaging by integrating natural extracts. The goal is to create antioxidant packaging films made from biodegradable polymers, enriched with natural compounds derived from the fruit of the Thakal plant (Phoenix acaulis Roxb.). A series of composite films (n = 6) with different formulations were prepared from starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and chitosan with and without incorporation of Thakal fruit extract (TFE) following the solution casting and drying method. The film samples were systematically characterized with FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TGA, and UV-visible spectrophotometry techniques. The thickness, WVP, MC, and WCA parameters of all the films were examined. Their mechanical properties were also analyzed. Notably, the Thakal fruit extract incorporated films performed excellent antioxidant activity, thermal stability, and UV blocking efficiency while maintaining visible light transparency. PS-TFE film showed superior antioxidant property with an RSA value of 37.42%. CS-TFE film showed the lowest transparency with the opacity value 12.56 ± 0.06. PC-TFE film showed comparatively better mechanical strength among extract-added films due to stronger interfacial interactions between TFE and matrix with TS 55.60 ± 2.10 MPa. CS-TFE film showed the highest thermal stability with 55.86% weight loss. These results indicate the possible usefulness of these films for applications in bioactive food packaging.