Biodegradable food packaging film derived from sago starch/microcrystalline cellulose enriched with ginger (Zingiber Officinale) extract for sliced apple preservation

Commercial food packaging materials are mainly synthesized from non-renewable petroleum-based polymers. Starchbased bioplastics have been developed as an alternative material since they are renewable and environmentally friendly. In this research, composite films derived from sago starch as matrix and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as filler with the addition of glycerol as plasticizers have been prepared. Ginger extract was also added as an antioxidant agent. The effect of ultrasonication at different time durations of MCC on the physicochemical properties of the composite film was investigated. Ultrasonication broke down the agglomerated MCC into smaller particle sizes and improved the dispersion in the starch matrix, as shown in the FESEM photograph. The mechanical properties were enhanced after ultrasonication. In addition, the ultrasonicated composite films showed better barrier properties toward water vapor compared to the untreated film. In addition, the developed antioxidant film containing ginger extract exhibited a great inhibition toward browning and shrinking on sliced apples during storage at ± 4 °C in a cooling room for 10 days. Overall, the composite films were biodegraded in two weeks. These biodegradable composite films can be a promising alternative for food-grade and eco-friendly packaging materials.