Insights into physicochemical properties, optimization using response surface methodology, and green metrics evaluation of chitosan–cassava starch–essential oil edible films

This study aimed to develop and evaluate biodegradable edible films composed of chitosan, cassava starch, glycerol, and essential oils via the solution-casting method. The optimal formulation for tensile strength was achieved using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with chitosan (1.5–2 g), starch (0.5–1 g), and glycerol (0.5–1.5 mL). The essential oil concentration was 0.5 mL. The incorporation of essential oils influenced film thickness, moisture content, swelling, solubility, optical properties, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties. All films were fully degraded within 3 days. The green metric evaluation demonstrated good environmental performance, fulfill the majority of green chemistry principles. These findings suggest that the films hold strong potential for sustainable active packaging applications.