Development and Characterisation of Nano Bioplastic Infused with Lemongrass Essential Oil for Fruit Packaging Application

Abstract

In the present research, bioplastic films based on polylactic acid (PLA) were developed for food packaging applications. Food packaging protects food from environmental factors and extends its shelf life by preventing chemical and microbiological contamination. Notably, the limitation of PLA in brittleness was improved by incorporating nanoclay as a filler. To enhance the antimicrobial activity of the bioplastic films, lemongrass essential oil (NBLG) was infused into the solution. The nano bioplastic infused with NBLG films was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results reveal that NBLG films exhibited antimicrobial properties, especially against S. aureus, with an inhibition zone of 18.40 mm. The NBLG film was then used as plastic packaging for red grapes, and the quality of the grapes was assessed on day 1, day 7, and day 14 of storage. Interestingly, on day 14, grapes packed with NBLG film were observed to have less physical deterioration, and their weight was 14.55% higher compared to those packed with control PLA film, which demonstrated a 46.70% weight reduction from their initial weight. At the same time, the fruit firmness decreased by 37.5% and 17.4% for grapes packed with PLA and NBLG film, respectively. Overall, it was asserted that PLA bioplastic filled with nanoclay and infused with NBLG can be used as an alternative, eco-friendly packaging with antimicrobial properties to increase the shelf life of packed fruit.