INVESTIGATION ON BIODEGRADABLE RICE STARCH FILMS

Abstract

With advantages such as reduced environmental impact, improved waste management, and the potential for enhanced food preservation through barrier properties and active packaging functionalities, biodegradable polymer films offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging in food applications. Rice starch polymer films are a promising substitute due to their low cost, biodegradability, renewable nature, and strong mechanical and barrier properties.

This study explores the development of biodegradable polymer films derived from rice starch, enhanced with Ocimumtenuiflorum (Tulsi) extract for potential packaging applications. The films were fabricated using solution casting, and their structural, morphological, and functional properties were thoroughly characterized.

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed changes in the crystallinity of the starch matrix due to Tulsi incorporation, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful interactions between starch and Tulsi components. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated the inherent antibacterial properties of the Tulsi extract, highlighting its potential for food packaging. A soil burial test assessed the films’ biodegradability, showing significant degradation over time and reinforcing their eco-friendly nature.

These findings suggest that Tulsi-doped rice starch films offer a promising, sustainable alternative for packaging applications, combining biodegradability with antimicrobial activity.