Strengthened the performance of rice starch/NCC bionanocomposite films by integrating gambier extract as active food packaging

Bionanocomposite films are biodegradable and based on natural materials, offering a solution to environmental concerns. Rice starch/NCC (nanocrystalline cellulose)-based bionanocomposite films suffer from weaknesses and limited shelf life, requiring the incorporation of gambier extract as a filler to impart antimicrobial activity and improve their physical and mechanical properties. This study aimed to determine the optimal concentration of gambier extract to enhance the properties of rice starch/NCC bionanocomposite films. The study showed that adding 2.5% (w/v) gambier extracts in rice starch-based bionanocomposite films led to the best film properties with a thickness value of 0.23 mm, water solubility 40.17%, WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) 2.54 g.h−2.h−1, L* and b* values 89.76 and 37.96, tensile strength 2.62 MPa, elongation 124.67%, modulus of elasticity 35.58 MPa, biodegradability value 100%, and inhibition diameter against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus 4.96 mm and 3.12 mm. The gambier extract was also bonded to the starch granules in the bionanocomposite film. Hence, the surface appeared tighter, and needle-shaped catechin crystals were observed. The gambier extract also affected the FTIR spectrum, specifically shifting and increasing the sharpness of the waves and the appearance of new peaks. This has enormous promise for the production of future bionanocomposite films for active food packaging.