Polycaprolactone-based electrospun films incorporating sage extract: From active food packaging application to accelerated biodegradation by Pseudomonas

Abstract

Polycaprolactone films incorporating sage extract (SE), developed by electrospinning and annealing, were tested as active, fast-degradable food contact materials. First, a release test with food simulants showed the films’ ability to release phenolics. This beneficial property was highlighted in the films’ application as pads for preventing raspberry quality deterioration. The highest SE containing film (20 %) demonstrated the highest preserving potential, suppressing raspberry spoilage, breakdown of soluble solids, maintaining color, and increasing phenolics content. Secondly, the degradation under natural environment conditions and conditions accelerating the degradation of the films was evaluated. Complete films’ bio-disintegration in compost occurred within three months, being catalyzed to four weeks by adding Pseudomonas aeruginosa, regardless of the SE incorporation. Visual appearance, light, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopy indicated an inhomogeneous surface degradation mechanism depended on the morphology of the films. Analysis of the structural properties and crystallinity showed that both amorphous and crystalline film regions were affected by biodegradation. The developed films as packaging materials can be beneficial from an economic and environmental point of view, as they can extend the shelf-life of fresh fruit, prevent the generation of food waste, reduce the accumulation of discarded packaging materials, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable development.