Preparation and Characterization of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and UV-Light Protection Film Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Garlic Peel Extract

Garlic peel is considered waste in the food industry; if not discarded properly, it may cause environmental pollution. In this research work, we aim to use the discarded garlic peels and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to develop an active food packaging film. The garlic peel extracts (GPE) help incorporate valuable properties like antimicrobial, UPF, and increase in other properties essential for packaging film. The films' antimicrobial activity was checked against the most common infection causing gram-positive and negative bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antibacterial activity of blank PVA film in reducing bacteria for both positive and negative types was around 55%, whereas, for 6% GPE/PVA film, it was 91-92%. It was found that the incorporation of GPE enhanced the ultraviolet-visible-light barrier property of the films; its UPF value went from 1.022 for blank PVA to 79.058 for 6% GPE/PVA. Compact surfaces of the GPE infused PVA films are revealed through Scanning electron microscopy. Increasing GPE concentrations led to improved opacity and thermal stability, and mechanical property. The films showed good antioxidant and cell biocompatibility properties. Results suggest that the GPE/PVA films can find extensive commercial application as a food packaging material by being a substitute for the traditionally used petrochemical plastics. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

This research aims to develop an active food packaging film using discarded garlic peels and poly(vinyl alcohol). The incorporation of garlic peel extracts enhances the antimicrobial and ultraviolet-visible-light barrier properties of the films, making them a potential substitute for petrochemical plastics in food packaging applications.