Fabrication and Characterization of Sustainable Starch-Based Biocomposite Films Enriched with Centella asiatica leaf extracts

IJEP 46(10): 915-930 : Vol. 46 Issue 10 (October 2026)

Full Text

Neetu Saharan, Neeraj Wadhwa and Smriti Gaur*

Jaypee Institute of Information and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Noida – 201 309, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

In this study, we present the production of biodegradable starch-based biofilms as a sustainable alternative to food packaging. To enhance antioxidant activity, Centella asiatica leaf extract was incorporated into starch-based biofilms and plasticized with glycerol. Two film types, starch-based biofilms (SF) and Centella-blended biocomposite biofilms (CBBB), were developed and their solubility, biodegradability and functionality were investigated. Soil degradation tests showed 99% degradation of starch-based films and 97% of CBBB-based films. CBBB films exhibited superior UV-blocking ability, blocking 71.7-75.6% of UV light, compared with 41.1% for the starch-based biofilm. Mechanical testing showed increased tensile strength, elongation at break and crystallinity in the CBBB film, with a slight decrease in water vapour permeability. Thermal analysis showed a decrease in melting temperature from 197.8 °C (SF) to 127.6°C (CBBB), a distinct crystallization peak and a single glass transition temperature (CBBB), as confirmed by DSC. When applied as a coating to cherries stored at 25°C, the CBBB film reduced weight loss (30.26%) compared with uncoated cherries (41.14%), stabilized pH and preserved titratable acidity. These findings highlight the potential of Centella-based starch films as eco-friendly, bioactive packaging materials for improved food preservation and reduced environmental impact.

Keywords

Blended films, Centella asiatica, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Differential scanning calorimetry, Starch

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