Study on mechanical and antioxidant properties of the Eucalyptus essential oils based active composite films with antimicrobial activity

For decades, petroleum-based plastic packaging and food spoilage have posed serious threats to human health, driving the development of antibacterial and biodegradable food packaging films. This study developed a novel active film by incorporating Eucalyptus essential oil at 1–3 % concentrations into a corn starch and polyvinyl alcohol matrix via the casting method. The film's structure was characterized by scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Functional assessments revealed that EO incorporation enhanced the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rates by 1.85-fold and 1.12-fold, respectively, and produced inhibition zones of 19.56 mm and 22.58 mm against S. aureus and E. coli . Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays confirmed the film's biosafety. In practical application on fresh-cut apples, the EO-loaded films significantly mitigated deterioration by effectively reducing the weight loss rate, firmness loss, browning index, and titratable acidity change. These findings demonstrate the considerable potential of this EO-functionalized film as an active packaging material for fruit preservation. • Good compatibility was confirmed among Eucalyptus essential oil, corn starch, and polyvinyl alcohol. • The film with 3 % EO achieved DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates of 49.33 % and 47.21 %, respectively. • The film exhibited inhibition zones of 19.56 mm and 22.58 mm against S. aureus and E. coli , respectively. • The composite film demonstrates significant potential for application in food packaging.