Pullulan/Agar-Based Functional Film Containing Eucalyptus Essential Oil and Rutin

Biopolymer-based films were developed using a mixture of pullulan and agar, and the fabricated film was functionalized with bioactive functional components, Pickering emulsion of eucalyptus essential oil (PEU), and rutin. The color of the film with PEU and rutin supplemented was light yellow. As a result, the yellowness index increased while the whiteness index of the film reduced. The functional filler showed a biocompatibility with the pullulan/agar polymer matrix. The presence of bioactive functional materials enhanced the UV protection properties of the film. The films' mechanical properties, vapor barrier properties, and thermal stability were not pointedly affected by the presence of essential oils and rutin alone or in combination. The presence of essential oils and rutin markedly enhanced the antioxidant activity of pullulan/agar-based films. Therefore, the bioactive functional film developed can be useful for active food packaging applications.

Automated summary

Biopolymer-based films were fabricated using a mixture of pullulan and agar, and functionalized with bioactive components such as eucalyptus essential oil and rutin. The addition of these components changed the color of the film to light yellow and increased its UV protection and antioxidant activity. The mechanical and barrier properties of the film were not significantly affected. This bioactive functional film has potential applications in active food packaging.