Physico-chemical properties of edible starch-based films with herbal extracts: cistus and white mulberry and their application as active sachets for oily products.

Abstract

The aim of the work was to prepare films based on potato thermoplastic starch (TPS) with herbal leaf extracts: from cistus (Cistus incanus L.- C) and white mulberry (Morus alba L.- M). The influence of the extracts on physico-chemical and bioactive properties of the films obtained via casting method was tested and compared. Starch gelatinization in the presence of the herbal infusion (5, 10 and 20% in the gelatinizing media) led to better mechanical and barrier (towards moisture, oxygen and UV) properties of the final TPS films. The modified films exhibited high antioxidative (DPPH scavenging up to 90%) and antifungal (against C. albicans) properties. Peroxide value determination based on UV-Vis spectrophotometric method for linseed oil and butter revealed that extract-enriched TPS sachets effectively inhibited lipid oxidation during storage. Such materials can be used as a biodegradable, edible vegan alternative to conventional petrochemical materials, serving as functional packaging materials for food.