Development of Quince-Based Active Films Functionalized with Broccoli By-Product Extracts and Clove Hydrosol

TL;DR

This study develops a sustainable active packaging film using quince, broccoli by-products, and clove hydrosol, showing improved mechanical and antifungal properties.

Contribution

The novelty lies in combining quince-based films with broccoli by-product extracts and clove hydrosol to enhance functional and antifungal properties.

Findings

Increasing broccoli extract concentration improved film thickness, tensile strength, and antifungal activity.

The 2.5% broccoli extract concentration showed the highest antifungal efficacy against tested molds.

The developed film exhibited stable intermolecular interactions and comparable performance to commercial coatings.

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable active packaging necessitates the development of bio-based films with enhanced functional properties. This study aimed to functionalize a quince (Cydonia oblonga) by-product film, formulated in clove (Syzygium aromaticum) hydrosol by casting, incorporating varying concentrations (0–10% w/v) of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by-product extract. Increasing the extract concentration led to increments in film thickness (102.2 to 120.2 µm), elongation at break (112.5 to 117.3%), tensile strength (1.5 to 4.2 MPa), opacity (20.2 to 24.0%), and water vapor permeability (2.0 to 2.3 × 10−8 g s−1 m−1 Pa−1). The total phenolic content also increased from 17.6 to 24.3 mg GAE/g film, correlating with a decrease in transmittance. While Fourier-Transform Infrared spectra profiling revealed stable intermolecular interactions across all samples without chemical disruption; scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed distinct morphological differences resulting from broccoli extract incorporation. Notably, while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity remained stable across treatments, the 2.5% w/v extract concentration provided the highest antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus puulaauensis (15.7%), A. jensenii (8.2%) and Penicillium nordicum (5.8%) by the agar diffusion method. These results were comparable with a commercial natamycin-containing coating used as a positive control. The synergy of clove hydrosol and broccoli extract resulted in a quince-based film with superior mechanical and bioactive properties.

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