Antimicrobial Activity and Physicochemical Analysis of Bio-degradable Films from Cucurbita pepo and Musa paradisiaca

Abstract

Cucurbita pepo and Musa paradisiaca can be considered as a large source of starch which makes it appropriate to be used for the preparation of bio-plastic material. In this study, biodegradable films from Cucurbita pepo and Musa paradisiaca were developed and investigated for their properties like pH, ash, moisture content, amylose content, biodegradability, and antimicrobial activity. 1,2,3-Propanetriol, gingelly oil, and agarose gel was used to reduce the brittleness of the developed starch- based bioplastic films. The investigation of films was done by Spectroscopic and Surface Analysis techniques. The developed bio- films showed substantial properties like less engorgement and insolubility in water which makes it worth a commercial viable product for food packaging.