Development and characterization of starch-based bioactive thermoplastic packaging films derived from banana peels

The present work deals with the development of cellulose-reinforced starch-based bioactive thermoplastic packaging films, from complete recycling of banana peel waste. The nanocellulose fibers, starch and bioactive compounds from banana peel were extracted and reconstituted to produce cellulose-reinforced starch-based bioactive thermoplastic packaging films. The banana peel starch was examined to have an abundance of amylopectin (88.55 ± 0.28% (w/w)) and high thermal stability (~295 ◦C maximum degradation temperature), to serve as a matrix for the thermoplastic films. The ethanolic extract of the banana peel with major active compounds of β-sitosterol, and 1, 2 Benzenedicarboxylic acid mono (2-ethyl hexyl ester) was examined to be having high antioxidant (74.43 ± 0.26% DPPH inhibition) and antimicrobial properties, to serve as a potential bioactive ingredient for the development of bioactive thermoplastic films. The addition of banana peel-based nanocellulose fiber improved the mechanical (6-fold increase in tensile strength) and barrier properties (0.6- fold reduction in O2 permeability) of banana peel thermoplastic films (BPT). The developed bioactive BPT films were examined to have a UV blocking capacity of ~98%. The produced Bioactive BPT films were found to be effective in the shelf life extension of bread by 10 days. The proposed methodology for the complete recycling of banana peel will take the state of research in agro-waste management one step closer to a green bio-circle economy.