ABSTRACT The development of biodegradable food packaging materials with active functionality is essential to reduce environmental impact while maintaining technological performance. This research studies the incorporation of phenolic-rich Arnica montana (AM) extract (E) into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and gelatin (GEL) films to produce antioxidant-active packaging systems. A factorial experimental design was applied to assess the effect of AM extract and its interactions with glycerol (G) concentration on physical, mechanical, barrier, thermal, and antioxidant properties. The effect of AM incorporation was matrix-dependent and influenced by the plasticization degree. In GEL films, the extract increased surface hydrophobicity, whereas no significant effects on wettability were observed for PVA films. Mechanically, the extract modified molecular interactions within the polymeric network, reducing stiffness while improving water vapor barrier properties in PVA-based films. Thermal analysis revealed enhanced stability at low glycerol levels, probably due to the scavenging ability of phytochemicals. Spectroscopic characterization indicated stronger molecular interactions between AM and GEL, mainly through hydrogen bonding. Antioxidant activity was higher in low-glycerol formulations, particularly for PVA-10G-10E, which exhibited radical scavenging capacities comparable to Trolox. Release assays in food simulants showed a burst release profile for PVA films (4.3∙10 -9 cm 2 /s), achieving 80% of inhibition of DPPH and ABTS radicals. In contrast, GEL films displayed a more controlled release (3.1∙10 -11 cm 2 /s), corresponding to lower radical inhibition (∼20%). Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of A. montana extract for designing biodegradable antioxidant films with tailored functional performance for active food packaging applications.
Garcia‐Oliveira et al. (Mon,) studied this question.