Turning Food Waste into High-Performance and Versatile Starch Nanoparticle-Based Edible Packaging

Abstract

Conventional plastics contribute to environmental pollution, while food waste remains a major sustainability challenge. This study valorizes discarded mango seed waste by extracting starch and converting it into starch nanoparticles (SNPs) for the development of edible packaging films. This study examines the effect of varying SNP concentrations (0 to 10% w/w of native starch) on the mechanical, barrier, water solubility, and biodegradability properties of the films. Results demonstrate that films containing 5% SNPs exhibit optimal performance and biodegradability, degrading in under 3 weeks. These edible films have versatile applications, including use as anti-fog food wraps and bags for protecting and storing a range of foods, such as fresh produce, dairy products, meat, sandwiches, and spices, under both room temperature and frozen conditions. Compared to low-density polyethylene bags, SNP-based packaging significantly extends the shelf life of raspberries. Additionally, the films can be used as quick-dissolving packaging in hot water.