INFLUENCING THE PHYSIO CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CASSAVA STARCH FILMS VIA OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAF EXTRACT

Abstract

Cassava starch films have gained significant attention in the field of bio- degradable packaging materials due to their eco-friendly nature and po- tential to reduce plastic waste. These films are derived from cassava, a starchy root crop abundant in tropical regions. Cassava starch films exhib- it desirable properties such as transparency, flexibility, and good barrier characteristics against oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, they often require modification to improve their mechanical strength and water re- sistance. The development of cassava starch films represents a promising avenue for sustainable packaging solutions, particularly in food and ag- ricultural industries. Keeping this in view, we made an attempt to modi- fy cassava starch film properties by adding ocimum sanctum leaf extract (Tulasi leaf extract), which is rich antioxidant in nature. The findings of this study suggest that the incorporation of tulasi leaf extract into cassava starch films has the potential to enhance their properties, making them suitable for various applications such as food packaging, agriculture, and biomedical applications.