Development of biodegradable film based on methycellulose incorporated with lemongrass extract

Edible films and coating have proven their ability to preserve the food from spoilage during handling, transport, and storage. However, vast amount of carbon dioxide produced annually from fossil polymers drew a great attention from the world, and this inspires researchers to find the alternatives for this due to shortage of conventional polymers. Biopolymer film become an option as food packaging film due to their gas barrier property, production cost, safety, durability, and biodegradability. Lemongrass extract (LGE) is one of the plant extracts that has been recognised by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used as additives or flavouring. The present research demonstrates that incorporation of lemongrass extract into methylcellulose is a good alternative for fossil films. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that lemongrass extract is added to methylcellulose film to strengthen its capabilities to preserve food. In this study, methylcellulose (MC) incorporated with lemongrass extract (MC/LGE) was prepared and the physicochemical properties of methylcellulose as a biofilm material has been studied through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and light transmission and transparency. There are two studies in application of MC/LCE films, namely preservation study and the biodegradable study. The absorption bands at 3329, 2912 and 1645 cm-1 showed the stretching of C-OH, C-H and C-O bonds of MC/LGE, respectively. The unstable molecular arrangement between MC and LGE has been proven by SEM results by exhibiting slightly rough surface with cracks on the film. TGA results demonstrated that MC/LGE films are thermally stable. Transparency value of MC/LGE is higher than the commercial cling film and the food could be preserved for longer period. The shelf life of cherry tomatoes has been extended after wrapped with MC/LGE films.