Active biodegradable films based on gelatin/alginate incorporated with microencapsulated Mamacadela extract: Antioxidant, antibacterial, and UV-barrier properties

This study investigated the stabilization and application of Brosimum gaudichaudii (mamacadela) extract in active biodegradable films. The carotenoid-rich extract were encapsulated by spray drying and lyophilization using maltodextrin, and the resulting microcapsules were characterized in terms of morphology, encapsulation efficiency, bioactive content, antioxidant activity, solubility, and antimicrobial effects. Subsequently, the microcapsules were incorporated into gelatin–alginate films, and the resulting materials were evaluated for mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, solubility, UV–Vis light barrier performance, structural interactions (SEM, FTIR-ATR, XRD), thermal stability (TGA), and soil biodegradability. Lyophilized microcapsules achieved higher encapsulation efficiency (80.94%) and greater retention of bioactive compounds, whereas spray-dried microcapsules improved film tensile strength and hydrophobicity. Both systems produced highly soluble (>97%) and thermally stable microcapsules capable of inhibiting E. coli . Films containing lyophilized microcapsules reduced water vapor permeability and degraded faster, while spray-dried microcapsules enhanced UV barrier capacity and antioxidant release. Overall, bioactive mamacadela extract microcapsules as show promise active, multifunctional and sustainable food packaging. • Mamacadela extract was microencapsulated by lyophilization and spray drying. • Active gelatin–alginate films were developed with encapsulated carotenoids. • Films with lyophilized capsules showed lower WVP and faster degradation. • Spray-dried films exhibited higher tensile strength and UV barrier. • The films are promising as sustainable active packaging materials.