Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of chitin nanofibril films containing ethanolic extracts of mangifera indica peel for food packaging applications

In this study, the potential of using mango peel extract (MPEx), rich in polyphenols and antioxidants for developing chitin nanofibrils (ChNF) composite films was investigated. ChNF films containing 1-5 % MPEx were prepared by solution casting technique and evaluated for their barrier, mechanical, optical and antioxidant properties. MPEx significantly improved water resistance, barrier and antioxidant properties, while imparting a slightly reduced tensile strength and elastic modulus. Films with lower MPEx content exhibited higher tensile strength (117 MPa) and elastic modulus (7.4 GPa). Antioxidant activity increased significantly with added MPEx, 5% MPEx films had the greatest free-radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) of 79. 53%, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 2.99 μgGAE g -1 and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) of 9.87 μgGAE g -1 . Additionally, the ChNF/MPEx composite films had a good bioactive release profile in different food simulants. Together, these results demonstrate that ChNF films containing MPEx are promising active packaging candidates for protecting moisture-and oxygen-sensitive food.