Fabrication of Bacterial Cellulosic Composite Film With Reinforced Lignocellulosic Fibres for Food Packaging

The study aimed to develop biocomposite films using natural biopolymers and fibres such as chitosan (A), bacterial cellulose (B) and processed Cyclea leaf gel (C) and natural fibres such as corn silk (D1), coconut husk (D2) and banana flower (D3) fibres, to develop sustainable food packaging applications. The biocomposite films were prepared by blending A, B and C (1), followed by reinforcement of D1, D2 and D3 in the ABC matrix with a 0.5% w/v concentration of fibres. The films were characterised using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, water vapour permeability and thermogravimetric analysis, including the mechanical properties of the films. The biodegradability of the films was tested under controlled composting conditions. The potential of the biocomposite film as a packaging film was assessed by storing tomatoes at room temperature and in a refrigerator for 10 days. The results indicated that the biocomposite film with corn silk fibre reinforcement had the lowest solubility of 15%, with superior tensile strength, flexibility and hydrophobic properties compared to those of the films reinforced with coconut husk and banana flower fibres. The biodegradability assessment confirmed the environmental compatibility of the films, with the fibres showing the highest biodegradability. In packaging applications, fibre reinforcement outperformed uncovered, control and standard in preserving tomato quality by effectively regulating moisture exchange and preventing physical damage. This study proves that biodegradable biopolymer composite films with natural fibres are eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging materials, contributing to sustainable packaging solutions.