Functional Properties of Antimicrobial Neem Leaves Extract Based Macroalgae Biofilms for Potential Use as Active Dry...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biocomposite films offer sustainable alternatives to conventional packaging.
• Neem extract possesses known antimicrobial properties.
• Gamma irradiation can modify polymer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize antimicrobial seaweed-neem biocomposite films.
• To investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on film properties.
• To evaluate the storage stability and antimicrobial activity of the films.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of seaweed-neem biocomposite films with 5% neem extract.
• Irradiation of films with varying gamma dosages (0.5-2 kGy).
• Characterization using SEM, FT-IR, contact angle, tensile, thermal, and antimicrobial tests.

Main Results:

• 1.5 kGy gamma irradiation optimized film properties, increasing tensile strength, modulus, and toughness.
• Irradiated films showed smoother morphology and improved intermolecular interactions.
• Films exhibited good storage stability for nine months with retained hydrophobicity and enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

Conclusions:

• Irradiated seaweed-neem biocomposite films demonstrate superior functional and antimicrobial properties.
• The optimized film at 1.5 kGy is a promising sustainable packaging material.
• The study highlights the synergistic effect of neem incorporation and gamma irradiation.