DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CORN AND POTATO STARCH BASED INTELLIGENT FILMS WITH ANTHOCYANIN FROM EGGPLANT PEELS TO MONITOR pH VARIATIONS

Abstract

In response to growing concerns over conventional plastic disposal, there is a pressing need for innovative biodegradable packaging solutions. In the current study, composite starch matrices made of potato and corn are mixed with eggplant peel extract to produce a unique bio-based packaging material. The main objective was to develop intelligent packaging that could assess food safety and quality and tell consumers of such information. Qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed ethanol as the most effective solvent for extract extraction. Physicochemical characterization of the resulting pH indicator film post-casting encompassed thickness, density, transparency, moisture content, water vapor permeability, water solubility, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity. Notably, the film exhibited rapid biodegradation within 14 days, along with robust antibacterial properties, evidenced by the absence of microbial growth. It also showed discernible color shifts in a variety of buffer solutions with pH values of 1, 4, 7, 9, and 12. Application trials demonstrated the efficacy of the intelligent film on diverse food items including cheese, chicken, potatoes, carrots, guavas, bananas, and tomatoes. These pH-sensitive packaging films hold promise as diagnostic tools for detecting food deterioration, owing to their sustainable manufacturing process and use of natural components.