Biobased films of nanocellulose and mango leaf extract for active food packaging: Supercritical impregnation versus solvent casting

Antioxidant and antimicrobial free-standing films composed of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) a polyphenolic-rich extract, viz. mango leaf extract (MLE), were produced via supercritical solvent impregnation (SSI) conventional casting film-processing methodologies. The CO2-assisted NFC with MLE created robust thermal stability up to 250 °C, good mechanical performance (Young's modulus > 4.7 GPa), UV-light barrier properties, antioxidant capacity maximum inhibition percentage ca. 84%, activity against Staphylococcus aureus (growth ? 37%) Escherichia coli 91%). comparison the NFC/MLE prepared by SSI those fabricated shows clear advantage methodology. Particularly, activities are visibly higher in into NFC. In fact, for films, components mostly adsorbed at surface not bulk biopolymeric matrix, which translates faster migrations and, hence, active properties. All these findings evinced potential eco-friendly as UV-blocking, antioxidant, bio-based materials application sustainable food packaging.