Development of Quince-Based Active Films Functionalized with Broccoli By-Product Extracts and Clove Hydrosol

The increasing demand for sustainable active packaging necessitates the development of bio-based films with enhanced functional properties. This study aimed to functionalize a quince (<i>Cydonia oblonga</i>) by-product film, formulated in clove (<i>Syzygium aromaticum)</i> hydrosol by casting, incorporating varying concentrations (0-10% <i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) of broccoli (<i>Brassica oleracea</i> var. <i>italica</i>) by-product extract. Increasing the extract concentration led to increments in film thickness (102.2 to 120.2 µm), elongation at break (112.5 to 117.3%), tensile strength (1.5 to 4.2 MPa), opacity (20.2 to 24.0%), and water vapor permeability (2.0 to 2.3 × 10^-8 g s^-1 m^-1 Pa^-1). The total phenolic content also increased from 17.6 to 24.3 mg GAE/g film, correlating with a decrease in transmittance. While Fourier-Transform Infrared spectra profiling revealed stable intermolecular interactions across all samples without chemical disruption; scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed distinct morphological differences resulting from broccoli extract incorporation. Notably, while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity remained stable across treatments, the 2.5% <i>w</i>/<i>v</i> extract concentration provided the highest antifungal efficacy against <i>Aspergillus puulaauensis</i> (15.7%), <i>A. jensenii</i> (8.2%) and <i>Penicillium nordicum</i> (5.8%) by the agar diffusion method. These results were comparable with a commercial natamycin-containing coating used as a positive control. The synergy of clove hydrosol and broccoli extract resulted in a quince-based film with superior mechanical and bioactive properties.