Natural cellulosic material characteristics: A possibility to develop antimicrobial active fiber-based packaging

Abstract

Coconut husk, rubberwood sawdust, and palm leaf base are cellulosic agricultural wastes that have potential to be processed to fiber as absorbing material. This study investigated characteristics (morphological, physiological properties, chemical composition, absorption capacity, and water absorption isotherms) of coconut, rubberwood, and palm fiber. Also, the study aimed to develop an antimicrobial sachet packaging to resist against foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli) by adding lime oil (LO) emulsion or Litsea cubeba (LC) oil at 50 to 700 µL into the material (1 g) before, and then dried and placed in the 1-L seal box. Results showed that among the three, coconut performed the best in terms of releasing the essential oil (EO) emulsion against bacteria. Coconut could adsorb and release volatile LO or LC at the lowest concentrations (LO, 500 µL/L; LC, 300 µL/L) to inhibit bacteria compared with the other fibers (700 µL/L) at 35 °C. Results indicated that coconut has a low water absorption rate, which influenced the faster adsorption of EO emulsion in the beginning of the process; therefore, using low concentrations of EO in coconut for bacterial inhibition is possible. Coconut contains 34.5% lignin, 68.7% holocellulose, 37.6% cellulose, and 31.2% hemicellulose. Coconut is suitable as an alternative to the biocomposite material in developing a new antimicrobial packaging design.

Controlled release of orange oil vapour to delay the ripening and mould growth of mangosteens (Garcinia mangostana) using rubberwood sawdust

“…The rubberwood sawdust was able to absorb the orange oil emulsion with a maximum level of 0.5 g/g at the equilibrium point (120 min). The result of this study corresponds with that of Parichanon et al (2021), where they reported that the rubberwood sawdust could also absorb lime oil emulsion and Litsea cubeba oil emulsion at 30% to 40%. This is confirmed to produce an orange oil sachet by dipping the sawdust for 120 min in orange oil emulsion.…”

“…Rubberwood sawdust can efficiently adsorb essential oil. Additionally, its high adsorption capacity, reusability, and low cost make it suitable for large-scale applications (Parichanon et al 2021). It is necessary to assess the effects of ripening regulators together with techniques that regulate the control of mould growth during transportation and storage of the mangosteens.…”