Integrated Zero By-Product Valorization of Orange Peel into Multifunctional Pectocellulosic-ZnO Nanocomposite Films for Sustainable Packaging
) into the optimized matrix further improved stiffness (YM = 163.9 MPa), improved UV-shielding capacity, antimicrobial activity (inhibition zones up to 16.0 mm), and antioxidant performance (98.2% ABTS inhibition). Biodegradation remained statistically unaffected by ZnO incorporation, with films retaining 29-35% degradation within 33 days. Overall, this work demonstrates the transformation of OP waste into multifunctional biodegradable active packaging materials, reinforcing circular bioeconomy principles.
Authors
- Yassine M’Rabet (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7227-5738)
- R. Bez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3140-7597)
- Cyrine Amara
- Khaoula Khwaldia
- Safa Baraketi
- Ana Sanches Silva
- Yosr Barchouchi
Institutions
- Tunis University (TN)
- Universidade do Porto (PT)
- National Agricultural Research Institute (PG)
- Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie (TN)
- Tunis El Manar University (TN)
- University of Coimbra (PT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Molecules
- Published
- 2026-04-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081297
- Primary Topic
- Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- European Commission