Bioactive polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan films with novel streblus asper leaves- derived cellulose nanocrystals and Hygrophila auriculata oil for prolonging the shelf life of grapes: Machine learning modeling, and experimental approach.

Interest in bio-based nanocomposites made from natural resources has increased as a result of the growing need for environmentally friendly and biodegradable packaging materials. In recognition of the serious environmental problems with conventional plastic packaging, eco-friendly substitutes must be developed. By adding cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from Streblus asper leaves (SAL) and antibacterial oil from Hygrophila auriculata leaves to a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) matrix, this study seeks to develop and assess a biodegradable bio-nanocomposite film intended to prolong the shelf life of grapes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the CNCs after they were extracted using acid hydrolysis. XRD demonstrated good crystallinity, FESEM displayed spherical-like CNC shape, and FTIR verified the elimination of non-cellulosic components. Comparing the optimized PVA-CS composite film with 10 wt% CNCs and 5 ml of oil, the tensile strength increased significantly from 1.25 ± 0.14 MPa to 3.45 ± 0.4 MPa. Additionally, water vapour, carbon dioxide, and oil permeability were reduced by 30.95%, 39.22%, and 14.28%, respectively, indicating a considerable improvement in UV-barrier, thermal stability, and barrier characteristics. Under soil burial circumstances, the produced composite film showed reduced swelling, water solubility, and moisture content in addition to partial biodegradation. In summary, adding CNCs and HAL oil to the PVA-CS matrix improves its mechanical, barrier, and stability properties, making it a viable sustainable substitute for applications involving active food packaging.