Artocarpus lakoocha seed starch and thymol-based films for extending fresh fruit shelf life: Antioxidant and physicochemical properties.

This study addresses the need for sustainable fruit preservation packaging by developing biodegradable films from nonconventional starch sources. The purpose was to enhance film properties and antioxidant capabilities using fatty acid-modified Artocarpus lakoocha starch films incorporated with thymol. The objective is to evaluate the impact of fatty acid modification on film characteristics and the antioxidant potential of thymol-unfused films. The films were prepared using the solvent casting method and analysed for physical, mechanical, morphological, thermal, analytical, and antioxidant properties. Results indicate that fatty acid modification reduces moisture content (10.30 ± 1.02) and improves transparency (29.66 ± 0.42) compared to non-modified starch films (42.64 ± 1.18). SEM analysis reveals a smooth and homogeneous surface, and X-ray diffraction indicates A-type crystallinity in native starch. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between fatty acid, thymol, starch, and glycerol. Thermal analysis demonstrates good stability. Starch modification with fatty acid notably enhances film strength, flexibility, and overall functionality. Thymol-infused films exhibit antioxidant properties, with stearic acid-modified starch film showing the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (90.01 %). In conclusion, this study highlights the utilization of nonconventional starch sources to producing biodegradable films with antioxidant properties, offering promising applications in sustainable fruit preservation packaging.