Bioactive Edible Packaging from Selaginella sp. - A Novel Source of Sustainable Packaging

Abstract

Bioactive edible films are the modern solution to prevent the degradation of susceptible food products which are prone to rapid degradation by virtue of Putrefaction, Fat oxidation and other spoilage reactions. Selaginella species belonging to bryophytes found among the Western Ghats of South India contains bioactive compounds like vanillic acid, polyphenols, terpenoids etc. which have potential antimicrobial and antioxidant capability. Polysaccharides like Chitosan, Gelatin and Pectin which are of natural origin can be utilized as a medium to incorporate Selaginella extract obtained by extraction methods including maceration and rotary evaporation for preparing a bioactive, edible and biodegradable film. Each medium can be individually utilized with the addition of constituents like Sorbitol (Plasticizer), Lactic acid, Distilled water and Dimethyl Sulfoxide in the film forming solution (FFS) for getting the required stability and strength for the films. The bioactivity of the extract is determined by undergoing antimicrobial tests and 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging analysis using Ascorbic acid. Obtained films are undergone with comparison regarding the medium used and are undergone with Shelf life analysis with Guava fruit rich in protein content. Further the biochemical changes are analyzed within the Guava at specific time period. Compatibility tests of the film are accomplished through water holding capacity, moisture content, and tensile strength tests.