We have only been using petroleum-based products in our day-to-day lives for a short time. Among these products are petroleum-based packaging materials. The environmental impact of synthetic plastics and the growing demand for sustainable alternatives have prompted research into biodegradable packaging materials. This study explored the development of an innovative green food wrap using bioactive compounds extracted from pumpkin peel, a common agricultural by-product. The primary objectives were to formulate a biodegradable film and evaluate its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties for potential application in confectionery packaging. Another objective was to utilise by-products from the agricultural industry effectively, as agricultural waste is now becoming a major problem. The films were characterized in terms of their thickness, colorimetry, moisture content, solubility, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength, elongation at break, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
The study was carried out on a film whose base composition included pectin, sodium alginate, and microcrystalline cellulose, into which varying concentrations of pumpkin peel extract (5ml, 10ml, and 15ml) were added. The thickness of all the films was comparable at around 3.153 mm. The antioxidant activity of the films was determined using a DPPH assay, and it was found to be around 95% for the film containing 10 ml of the extract. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the activity against Staphylococcus aureus was determined using the disc diffusion method to identify the zone of inhibiton. The film containing 10 ml of the extract also performed the best in this test, with a zone of inhibition of around 1 cm, which was larger than that of the other films.
These findings suggest that pumpkin peel-based wraps could serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging, contributing to waste reduction and environmental conservation. In the search for an alternative to plastics or a solution for the increasing damage they cause to the environment, this biodegradable film has great significance. Moving towards a more sustainable environment will have a great impact on human and environmental health.
