Development and characterization of an active biodegradable Tara gum film incorporated with Lavandula angustifolia essential oil

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to develop Tara gum (TG)-based films incorporated with Lavender essential oil (LEO) at different concentrations (5%-20% (w/w)) to enhance the properties of the films. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate as the major compounds in LEO. SEM micrographs showed the highest homogeneity in the film containing 5% (w/w) LEO, and CLSM images revealed the even distribution of LEO within the films. FTIR spectra demonstrated intermolecular interactions between TG and LEO, as evidenced by a new peak at 1458 cm− 1 in the LEO-loaded films. The addition of LEO resulted in a significant decrease in water content (WC) and water solubility (WS) of the films, while thickness, contact angle (CA), opacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), and oxygen permeability (OP) increased. The TG-LEO films exhibited higher elongation at break (EB) and lower Young’s modulus (YM). Additionally, LEO positively affected the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. Overall, the results authenticated the hypothesis of this study and indicated that TG-LEO films have great potential as biodegradable films with promising functionalities for food packaging applications.