Biodegradable Nypa fruticans (Nipa) Starch-PVA Biocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Abstract

Starch-based films have been highlighted with its biodegradability, renewable, and amalgamation with other biopolymers as an intended substitute to synthetic packaging. This study aims to add to the plethora of literature on advancing a novel source of starch (Nypa fruticans) in combination with PVA and plasticizers to enhance the properties of the biocomposite film. The film’s physicochemical and food packaging properties were analyzed in terms of their water content, solubility, water vapor permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, and transparency. The functional groups were characterized using FTIR and quantitatively analyzed the puto samples packaged in three conditions for their weight loss, sensory evaluation, and shelf life.  The results presented the biofilm with twice the elongation at break, good light barrier property, and low water vapor permeability characteristic of a packaging’s food preservation. The FTIR spectra showed the wide absorption band of the hydroxyl groups (OH) in starch and PVA and the presence of the C-O-C group representing the glucose units of starch. The food packaging analysis showed the efficiency of nipa starch biocomposite film as a prototype for a wider application in the food and packaging industry.