A study has developed a bioactive composite film utilizing sweet potato peel polyphenols extract and sweet potato starch, aiming to evaluate the impact of sweet potato peel polyphenols on the physicochemical and functional attributes of the film. By integrating 0.4% sweet potato peel polyphenols into the sweet potato starch matrix, researchers achieved a uniform and thin film with improved mechanical strength. This film demonstrated superior UV, water, and gas barrier properties, alongside robust antioxidant capabilities, effectively neutralizing over 90% of DPPH and ABTS radicals. Additionally, it showed potent antimicrobial properties against pathogens like Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. In practical applications, the film effectively prolonged the freshness of cherry tomatoes, maintaining their quality for up to 7 days at 4°C. This innovation presents a promising avenue for sustainable food packaging solutions.
Source: Frontiers