
Bioplastic films prepared from cornstarch incorporated with lemongrass essential oil (LEO) were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. The films were prepared via solution casting to contain different amounts of LEO (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% w/w). The films were characterized for thickness, color properties, moisture content, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (BIOTECH 1582) and Salmonella typhimurium (BIOTECH 1826) was determined via disk diffusion using 6 mm film discs on Mueller–Hinton agar. Significant improvement in elongation at break (25.06 ± 7.39%) at 0.5% LEO, and increase in film thickness and moisture content with LEO addition were observed. All films containing LEO displayed strong antibacterial activity. Interestingly, the control film (0% LEO) exhibited notable baseline antibacterial activity (inhibition zones >29 mm) probably due to the vinegar and glycerol in its formulation. Considerable increase in antimicrobial activity occurs with 2% LEO against S. aureus. Overall, films prepared with 0.5% LEO showed the best possible balance between mechanical flexibility and antimicrobial activity, suggesting that this formulation may be used in preparing active food packaging materials.
antibacterial packaging, elongation at break, microbial zone of inhibition, tensile strength, antibacterial packaging, elongation at break, microbial zone of inhibition, tensile strength
antibacterial packaging, elongation at break, microbial zone of inhibition, tensile strength, antibacterial packaging, elongation at break, microbial zone of inhibition, tensile strength
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
