Bioactive PLA packaging films using artichoke leaf extract as functional additive

Valorizing agro-food side streams to develop active packaging materials is a promising circular approach that helps reintegrate these residues back into the food supply chain. Herein, artichoke leaves were used as a source of bioactive extracts for the formulation of active PLA-packaging materials. The incorporation of artichoke leaves extract (ALE) in PLA-based films yielded films with no prominent structural or water vapor barrier changes compared to neat PLA films. Regarding mechanical properties, ALE contributed to the formation of films with less stretchability without affecting their stiffness. On the other hand, the ALE-incorporated films presented good UV shielding, and improved antioxidant activity compared with pure PLA films. Moreover, global migration assays revealed the different behavior of PLA-ALE films according to the food simulant, where the highly polar solvent (10 % ethanol) represented the most promising medium for the developed materials, allowing to establish the safety and regulatory compliance of up to PLA-ALE2.5. Thus, the developed PLA-ALE active materials, besides showing potential for foodstuff preservation, can also be considered safe for packaging applications. • Subcritical water extraction enabled the valorization of artichoke leaves. • Sequential extraction increased the bioactivity of artichoke extract. • The extract caused no significant changes in PLA mechanical or thermal properties. • Artichoke leaf extract enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of PLA films. • Overall migration showed bioactive films suitable for hydrophilic foods.