DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE ACETATE/CHITOSAN FILMS INCORPORATED WITH Piper betel EXTRACT FOR ANTIMICROBIAL FOOD PACKAGING

This study investigated the development of chitosan/cellulose acetate (CS/CA) composite
films incorporated with Piper betel leaf extract (PBE) for potential food packaging
applications. The films were prepared by optimizing the cellulose acetate (CA) concentration
to achieve a balance between mechanical strength, transparency, and flexibility. The optimal
formulation, 1% chitosan and 0.12% cellulose acetate, was selected for incorporating varying
concentrations of PBE (0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%). The films were characterized for thickness,
light transmittance, tensile strength, extensibility, color, and antimicrobial activity. Results
indicated that increasing the concentration of PBE enhanced the antimicrobial properties,
with films containing 1% PBE exhibiting significant inhibition against Salmonella Newport
(16.09 ± 0.30 mm), Salmonella Typhimurium (17.21 ± 0.51 mm), and Listeria innocua
(18.14 ± 0.49 mm). The 1% PBE formulation achieved the best balance of mechanical
strength (34.43 ± 1.99 MPa), extensibility (1.66 ± 0.28 mm), and moderate transparency
(27.70±2.0% transmittance), making it a promising candidate for food packaging
applications. Although higher PBE concentrations (1.5% and 2%) further improved
antimicrobial activity, they reduced film transparency and whiteness. Overall, the developed
CS/CA-PBE films may provide a sustainable and active packaging solution, offering
enhanced food safety and extended shelf life, which contributes to the growing demand for
eco-friendly alternatives in the food industry.