Ceratonia siliqua L. kibbles, seeds and leaves as a source of volatile bioactive compounds for antioxidant food biopackaging applications

Macerates of kibbles, seeds and leaves of Ceratonia siliqua L. were prepared and analysed to apply them for the development of a new multilayer active packaging. The profile of forty-three different bioactive volatile compounds was obtained employing headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant capacity was investigated using the following methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and phosphomolybdenum method, which demonstrated stronger antioxidant capacity in the case of seeds macerates. However, the analysis of the antimicrobial properties of the different macerates versus Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli revealed a weak antibacterial activity. Additionally, the different macerates were incorporated into an adhesive used to build a new biopackaging multilayer film based on cellulose polymer, whose antioxidant capacity was evaluated by two different methods (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical assay). The films with the best antioxidant activity, containing carob seeds macerates, were selected for the food safety assessment through migration assay. The obtained results showed no migrants, neither in the case of the volatile compounds nor non-volatile ones. Besides, the CIE L*a*b* colour of the active films was evaluated. The obtained results are therefore promising for future production of active biopackaging at an industrial scale.

Automated summary

Macerates of kibbles, seeds and leaves of Ceratonia siliqua L. were prepared and analysed for their bioactive volatile compounds, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial properties, and potential use in biopackaging. The study found that the seeds macerates had stronger antioxidant capacity, but weak antibacterial activity. The macerates were incorporated into a cellulose polymer adhesive to create a biopackaging film, which showed promising antioxidant activity and no migration of volatile or non-volatile compounds. The study suggests the potential for future production of active biopackaging at an industrial scale.