Analysis of Smart Packaging Film for Tomato Freshness: ZnO-Fe2O3/PVA with Musa Paradisiaca Bract Anthocyanin

Biodegradable materials from renewable resources combined with nanoparticles (NP) promote sustainability in active film packaging removing carbon imprint on the environment. To enhance the film’s optical barrier, stability, and surface characteristics, a core–shell ZnO-Fe₂O₃ NP was prepared. A rich source of bioactive anthocyanin with antioxidant properties from Musa Paradisiaca bract extract was added to NP to create the smart film. The presence of ZnO and Fe₂O₃ and its NP (28.96 nm) nature was confirmed through XRD and FESEM, and the d-spacing (0.28 nm) was calculated using an HRTEM micrograph. The existence of anthocyanin extracted from Musa paradisiaca bract was verified with UV analysis. Antibacterial activity against E. coli for the films I1- 9 CFU/g and I2- Nil demonstrates the strong efficacy of the smart film against microbes. Films were prepared with varying NP ratios, and their physical properties, water contact angle, UV barrier (4.71- 5.17 eV), film life cycle assessment, and optimal encapsulation with XRD were tested. The combination of anthocyanin pigment, NP, and bract powder creates a smart composite (SC) that maintains the film’s appearance, color, and transparency while extending the shelf life of the covered tomato by 33%. A real-time index of tomato degradation was observed using the pH variation of the film, with ΔE > 3 indicating a visible color change. The study recommends using the prepared film to prolong the shelf life of tomatoes in shops and the food industry during storage and transport.