Exploring the potential of jujube seed powder in polysaccharide based functional film: Characterization, properties and application in fruit preservation

In this study, we fabricated a novel biodegradable functional film using natural polysaccharides by adding jujube seed powder as an active ingredient. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed agglomerate formation in the film with increasing concentration of seed powder. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy study demonstrated an electrostatic interaction between pectin and chitosan. The water solubility and swelling degree significantly decreased from 55.5 to 47.7 % and 66.0 to 41.9 %, respectively, depicting the film's water resistance properties. Higher opacity and lower transmittance value of the film indicated its protective effect towards light-induced oxidation of food. It was observed that the fabricated active film biodegraded to 82.33 % in 6 days. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of 98.02 % was observed for the functional film. The film showed antifungal activity against B. cinerea and P. chrysogenum. The highest zone of inhibition was obtained against food spoiling bacteria B. subtilis followed by S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Genotoxicity studies with the fabricated film showed a mitotic index of 8 % compared to 3 % in the control film. We used the fabricated film to preserve grapefruits, and the result showed that it could preserve grapes for ten days with an increase in antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content.