Physicochemical properties of potato starch films containing natural extracts of turmeric and hibiscus

The development of biodegradable films is an alternative to the use of environmentally unfriendly packaging. For that, several natural polymers can be used, such as starch, which has good characteristics like inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and easy availability. The functional performance of starch-based biodegradable materials can be extended or improved by adding antioxidant agents, as well as by using novel preparation techniques. The addition of natural antioxidants to the starch-based films can further contribute to the development of functional films. The objective of the present work was to develop starch-based active films added with hibiscus and turmeric extracts. Important properties of the filmogenic hydrogels and the films prepared by casting such as absorption and solubility in water and oxygen permeability rate were determined. Oxidative degradation can affect the inherent color, flavor, and microbial stability of a variety of foods, then the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) was also determined. The information learnt from this study will be of value for further developments employing natural polymers or biocomposites being used as primary packaging for foods. Present tendency is to create active or smart packaging materials and starch-based materials that will play a significant role from now on.