# 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.

## Key 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.