Antimicrobial Activity, Microstructure, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Cassava Starch Composite Films Supplemented With Geranium Essential Oil

Abstract

In this study, we prepared cassava starch-based films by the casting method. Afterwards, the effects of geranium essential oil (GEO) on the prepared films' physicochemical, morphology, and antibacterial properties were revealed. We found that the thickness and elongation at the break of cassava starch films increased with increasing GEO concentration (from 0.5, 1, and 2%). However, increasing GEO concentration decreased the water content, water vapor permeability, and tensile strength of the prepared films'. Further, the addition of GEO increased the surface roughness, opacity, and antibacterial properties of the prepared films. With the increase of GEO concentration, L* and a* of cassava starch film decreased, while b* and Δ E increased. This study provides a theory for cassava starch-based films as a biological packaging material.