Development and Evaluation of Grape and Fig Leaf Extracts-Modified Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Packaging Films

Abstract

This study aims to develop biodegradable packaging films with environmentally friendly and antibacterial properties. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based composite films were produced by modifying fig (Ficus carica L.) and grape (Vitis labrusca L.) leaf extracts with high antioxidant content. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform & imath;nfrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) methods. In mechanical tests, the highest tensile strength was measured as 203.4 MPa in films containing 45% fig leaf extract, and this value showed an increase of 66% compared to the pure PVA film. Water absorption capacity was reduced to 85%, water solubility to 20.68%, and moisture content to 20%. Air permeability was reduced by 6%, and thermal conductivity was improved by 73%. In antibacterial tests, a 1.6 log10 reduction was found against Escherichia coli and a 2.5 log10 reduction against Staphylococcus aureus. In shelf life tests on chicken meat, it was observed that the modified films delayed spoilage by 2 days. This study offers significant potential for using biodegradable packaging films with completely natural content and high antibacterial properties in the food sector.