Characterization on antioxidant and physical properties of gelatin based composite films with incorporation of Centella asiatica (pegaga) extract

This study aimed to characterize the influence of Centella asiatica at 0.3% and 0.7% on antioxidant activities; mechanical and physical properties of chicken skin gelatin/CMC/ Centella asiatica film. Characterization of the blended films with 0.7% Centella asiatica extract shows higher antioxidant activities with a total phenolic content of 0.36 mg/g of GAE, DPPH of 89.26%, and reducing power of 0.80 nm compared to 0.3% Centella asiatica extract added where the total phenolic content was 0.29 mg/g of GAE, DPPH of 89.26% and reducing power of 0.80 nm. The addition of 0.3% of Centella extract provide higher value in tensile strength, elongation at break, melting point and transparency but lower in UV-light penetration and crystallinity of the films. While the addition of 0.7% Centella extract contributes to higher value in WVP and puncture test. In conclusion, the incorporation of Centella asiatica extracts on film greatly increased antioxidant levels and improved some of the mechanical and physical properties of the film blends.