Development and characterization of sodium alginate reinforced Acridocarpus orientalis extract

Abstract

Abstract In this research, biodegradable sodium alginate films were synthesized by using stem extract of Acridocarpus orientalis to enhance antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, water vapor transmittance properties, release kinetics and physicochemical functionality. The films were produced by adding 0.2% and 0.4% (w/v) methanolic extract into a 2% (w/v) sodium alginate solution. The fabricated films were comprehensively analyzed for their mechanical, functional, release and physical properties. The films showed increase in tensile strength and elongation at break with the increased concentration of methanolic extract. Antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and water vapor transmittance rate was also improved with increased concentration of extract. This improvement was due to the presence of phytochemicals like phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extract. Altogether, these observations demonstrate the promise of A. orientalis extract as a natural functional additive to produce sodium alginate-based biopolymer films with enhanced functionality in active packaging.