Cumin essential oil-infused chitosan-PVA composite coatings: An innovative approach for developing antimicrobial, antioxidant and functionalized polyethylene films.

This study introduces a green and innovative approach to functionalizing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films by laminating bioactive composite coatings of chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) infused with Cumin essential oil (CEO). The functionalized films were thoroughly characterized for their physicochemical, mechanical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Incorporating the CEO into the chitosan-PVA matrix significantly enhanced the films' tensile strength, reduced moisture content, and improved water vapor barrier properties, making them highly suitable for food packaging applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a compact and non-porous structure in the modified LDPE films. At the same time, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed strong intermolecular interactions among the coating components and CEO. The chitosan-PVA-CEO-coated LDPE films (PCE) demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, increasing efficacy over time. Furthermore, the PCE films exhibited exceptional antioxidant properties, achieving a free radical scavenging capacity of 54.36 %, attributed to the synergistic effects of chitosan and CEO. These findings highlight the potential of this innovative bioactive coating as a sustainable and effective solution for enhancing the preservation of perishable products, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly and functional packaging materials.