Investigation of the Effect of Pomegranate Peel Extract in Food Bioactive Films to Preserve It against Bacterial and Fungal Contamination

This paper assesses the use of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) which is a by-product that has high concentration of phenolic compounds as antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging material in biodegradable films. PPE was isolated with the helper of hydroethanolic solvents and assessed in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity by the DPPH radical scavenging test. The natural polymers that were used to prepare bioactive films included chitosan and PPE was added in various concentrations. The incorporation of PPE affected the properties of films by reducing transparency, adding yellowish-brown color and advancement of the polymer-polyphenol interactions as evidenced by FTIR analysis. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the morphology of the film was relatively homogeneous at low extract concentration indicating that the polymer matrix was well-compatible. The concentration-dependent inhibitory activity was observed on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with agar diffusion assays and antifungal activity was found to be extensive against some strains of fungi. Altogether, PPE-incorporated films are a good green packaging approach to reducing microbial contamination, ensure the long shelf life of food, and ensure the sustainable preservation of food.