Incorporation of cashew bark extract and gamma irradiation effects on biodegradable bacterial cellulose/kappa-carrageenan film

de Lima, Alice da Conceicao Alves and Brito, Andrea Monteiro Santana Silva and Caetano, Viviane Fonseca and Vinhas, Gloria Maria (2025) Incorporation of cashew bark extract and gamma irradiation effects on biodegradable bacterial cellulose/kappa-carrageenan film. EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS, 19 (6). pp. 610-627. ISSN 1788-618X

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Abstract

Biopolymer-based packaging, such as bacterial cellulose (BC) and kappa-carrageenan (KC), offers a sustainable solution to environmental challenges. The incorporation of bioactive extracts enhances antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, while gamma radiation sterilization ensures microbiological safety, improving functionality for food preservation and promoting sustainability in the packaging industry. The objective of this work was to develop a BC film incorporated with KC solution (1%, v/v) and cashew bark extract (EC) at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4% (v/v) for use as active food packaging. EC exhibited a total phenolic content of 321.19 mgGAE/g and showed 86.67 and 99.54% radical scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2″-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), respectively. EC also displayed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, confirming its antimicrobial potential. BC/KC films incorporated with EC and irradiated with gamma radiation exhibited a thermal degradation in the range of 275–287 °C, maintaining good thermal stability. The water vapor permeability decreased by 55.12%, indicating improved barrier properties and the film’s morphology became more compact after EC incorporation and irradiation. BC/KC films show promises for extending the food shelf life as active packaging.

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