Development and characterization of chitosan-based edible films incorporating Erica manipuliflora extract for active food packaging applications.

Biodegradable active packaging materials offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. This study involved the development and evaluation of chitosan-based edible films containing Erica manipuliflora extract for use in food packaging. The extract exhibited high total phenolic (348.45 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (56.19 mg CE/g) content. FTIR analysis revealed interactions between the extract and the chitosan matrix, and SEM showed concentration-dependent morphological changes. Incorporating the extract improved the films' properties by reducing their water vapor permeability, moisture content, and swelling degree. The Cs-EP2 formulation demonstrated enhanced mechanical performance, with tensile strength increasing from 11.7 to 23.7 MPa. The antioxidant activity was found to be 72.65% DPPH inhibition and the antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli exhibited inhibition zones of 20.68 mm and 21.61 mm, respectively. Applications of strawberry coating delayed deterioration and reduced decay from 96% to 30%, highlighting the potential of these films to extend the shelf life of perishable foods.