BIOFILM FOR SHELF-LIFE EXTENSION OF TOMATOES

Abstract

Food packaging is essential for reducing food waste and promoting sustainable food systems. It ensures the safety of food products throughout the supply chain by optimizing transportation and storage, while also conveying important product information to consumers. Developing sustainable food packaging systems aims to minimize the environmental impact of synthetic polymers that have been widely used for a long time. With the advent of advanced technologies, creating sustainable packaging has proven beneficial for product safety and in reusing food waste. This study focuses on developing a biofilm from the seed waste of Citndhts lanatus (watermelon) and Mangifera indica (mango) using the solvent-casting method. The resulting biofilm demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against pathogens that commonly affect tomatoes.

Specification

THE FIELD OF INVENTION
The field of invention in producing biodegradable films from watermelon and mango seed waste extract falls within sustainable packaging which includes the utilization of agro-waste. This contributes to the eco-friendly alternatives in food packaging.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The development of a biofilm with watermelon and mango seed waste extract ai aimed at sustainable and eco- friendly material in food packaging. Watermelon is a popular fruit worldwide due to its taste and high-water content of about 92 %. The phytochemicals such as glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates are detected in watermelon. The by-products generated by Citrullus lanatus include seeds and rinds. These by-products are tested to be rich in phytochemicals. Studies have revealed the biological activities of these watermelon seeds concerning the phyto chemicals present within. This promotes the consumption and utilisation of watermelon seeds as an innovative ingredient in the food industry. The phytochemicals present not only aid in the structural integrity of the biofilm but also hold antimicrobial properties preventing the growth of microbes. Mangifera indica (Mango) seed, a by-product of mango processing, is another integral compound in the composition of biofilm developed. The seed kernels are generally considered as waste and have gained the researcher's attention due to the presence of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and fibrous nature of the mango seeds makes it an eco-friendly choice. Incorporating these two seed waste extracts into the development of biofilm would minimize the dependence on synthetic polymer and the environmental impact associated with it. The combination of this waste biomass offers a biofilm with multiple functionalities such as antimicrobial properties, biodegradability, and mechanical stability. As the current focus of industries shifted towards more of an eco-friendly approach, the use of seed waste biomass is considered to be a promising and sustainable practice in food packaging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A biofilm developed with the utilization of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) and Mangifera indica (Mango) seed waste with enhanced antimicrobial activity against spoilage-causing microorganisms of tomatoes.

Specifications • The main compound of the bio film includes Citrullus la na tits (watermelon) and Mangifera indica (Mango) seed wastes which are natural sources. Combining the two compounds' aids in the development of biofilm with enhanced antimicrobial properties. • Gum acacia and glycerol are plasticizers that are added as base materials to improve the flexibility and stability of the biofilm. The addition of these agents supports the biofilm with better mechanical
properties.
• The minimum inhibitory concentration of the seed extracts determined by the well diffusion method has shown effective inhibition against spoilage organisms such as A.flavus, S. aureus, B. subtilis and
R. stolonifer.
• The complete degradation of the biofilm is achieved by the use of seed wastes. The real-time stability of the film has been demonstrated to be acceptable until day 12th. • The durability and mechanical strength depend upon the optimisation of gum acacia and glycerol.



Developing a biofilm with antimicrobial properties,' the biofilm is made from natural sources that are considered wastes such as seeds of Ci trull us I ana t us (watermelon) and Mangifera indica (Mango) along with gum acacia and glycerol acting as plasticizers. The addition of the active compounds in developing the film has shown effective antimicrobial activity against A.jlavus, S. aureus, B. subtilis and R. stolonifer which are chief organisms in the biological deterioration of tomatoes. The shelf life of the tomatoes packed with the biofilm developed has shown to extend up to day 12th, followed by deterioration started by the 13th. The physiochemical and sensory aspect of the biofilm was found to be acceptable among the consumers. The biofilm developed has proven to be both eco-friendly and degradable. The application of film is not only limited to tomatoes and can be used for other vegetables and fruits as well.



The biofilm developed has dual benefits which include degradability and antimicrobial
properties,
2. It can be used as an effective alternative to the synthetic plastics that are commercially used
in the industry,
3. The biofilm with antimicrobial properties against food spoilage microbes can be utilised as packaging material for tomatoes to provide extended shelflife.

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