Probing Sustainable Cross-linked Quince Seed Mucilage – Sodium Alginate Biocomposite Hydrogels through Development of Biodegradable Films

Abstract

Biocomposite hydrogels based on quince seed mucilage (QSM) and sodium alginate (SA) incorporated with crosslinkers (ZnO, CaCl2 and NC) were developed and characterized. Biocomposite hydrogels were characterized for rheological, structural and thermal properties. Hydrogels with QSM to SA ratio of 80:20 and CaCl2 as crosslinker agent exhibited more elastic character and stronger gelation as revealed by rheological studies, improved structural and thermal properties as revealed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and DSC. Hydrogels were further used for the development of films. The as prepared biocomposite films were characterised for thickness, tensile strength (TS), WVTR, OTR, biodegradability, instrumental color (L*, a*, and b*) and antimicrobial activity. Significantly higher TS and lower WVTR and OTR (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in biocomposite films with CaCl2 as crosslinker agent. Biocomposite films with NC as crosslinker agent exhibited significantly higher L*, b* and a* values (P ≤ 0.05). Films incorporated with NC showed lower biodegradation by soil burial test. Films with ZnO as crosslinker agent exhibited greater inhibitory effect against Aspergilus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer. Overall biocomposite films with 80:20 ratio of QSM to SA and CaCl2 as crosslinker agent as food packaging can provide better protection to extend food shelf life.