PREPARATION, CHARACTERISATION AND EVALUATION OF ALGINATE FILMS MODIFIED BY ASCORBIC ACID AND CHARCOAL POWDER FOR FOOD PACKAGING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

SA is naturally occurring anionic polysaccharide widely known for its bio-degradability, low cost, bio-compatibility and low toxic nature which can be effectively used as packaging material for portioned products and charcoal powder is very known for its ethylene scavenging property. In this work, hydrogel films composed of ALG, honey, charcoal powder and ascorbic acid was prepared and characterised. The films were evaluated for contact angle measurement, FT-IR analysis, SEM analysis, swelling studies, DPPH radical scavenging assay and mechanical properties. The developed film is highly hydrophilic in nature and exhibited high antioxidant property. The antioxidant property of ALG, honey, ascorbic acid and charcoal based films are fruitful for the advancement in packaging and transportation of fresh cut fruits and vegetables in the present context.