DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL-INCORPORATED CARBOXYMETHYL STARCH/POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL)/KAOLIN COMPOSITE FILMS: ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY AND BIODEGRADABILITY ASSESSMENT

Bright Ayemwenre Omoike; Felix Ebhodaghe Okieimen; Chinyere Imoisi

doi:10.4314/njt.v44i3.6

Authors

B. A. Omoike Mewar International University, Km 21 Abuja -keffi Express way, Masaka, Nasarawa State
F. E. Okieimen Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B.1154, Benin City, Nigeria
C. Imoisi Department of Industrial Chemistry, Mewar International University, KM 21, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Masaka, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v44i3.6

Keywords:

Lemongrass Oil, Antimicrobial, Packaging, Biodegradable, Composites

Abstract

Food preservation has been a serious global concern due to increased microbial activity. Therefore, the development of antimicrobial bioplastic packaging is an active area of research aimed at enhancing food quality and shelf-life while also addressing the environmental challenges posed by synthetic plastic. This study explored the antimicrobial and biodegradability properties of composite films prepared from carboxymethyl starch (CMS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), kaolin and integrated with lemongrass essential oil (LGO). The CMS-based composite films were produced using solution casting techniques and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The films' biodegradability properties were determined by soil burial method. The antimicrobial activity of the LGO-integrated films against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus was done using a disk assay antimicrobial test. The results of SEM, XRD, and thermal stability analyses showed that the films had good homogeneity, satisfactory surface morphology, and relatively high thermal stability. Although LGO affected the films' morphology and thermal stability, these properties remained suitable for food packaging applications. The LGO-incorporated films demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens with highest inhibition zones of 31.00mm and 19.00mm observed at 5.0 parts per hundred (pph) LGO concentration. All the films exhibited substantial biodegradability but decreased slightly by 16. 67% upon incorporation of 5.0pph LGO. Therefore, LGO-incorporated CMS/PVA/kaolin composite film holds significant promise as a sustainable and renewable alternative to conventional plastics in food packaging.

Author Biographies

B. A. Omoike, Mewar International University, Km 21 Abuja -keffi Express way, Masaka, Nasarawa State

Department of Industrial Chemistry

PhD Polymer Chemistry
F. E. Okieimen, Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B.1154, Benin City, Nigeria

Department of Chemistry

Professor
C. Imoisi, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Mewar International University, KM 21, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Masaka, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Department of Industrial Chemistry

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