Lignin nanoparticle-stabilized clove essential oil Pickering emulsion enhanced starch films: Structural properties,...

In this study, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) stabilized clove essential oil (CEO) Pickering emulsions (PE) were used to functionalize starch based films to develop bioactive packaging for cherry tomatoes. The incorporation of LNPs-CEO-PE improved the interfacial compatibility and promoted homogeneous dispersion of hydrophobic CEO within the hydrophilic starch network. At 3 % PE loading, the composite film exhibited enhanced mechanical properties with a 40 % increase in tensile strength and an elongation at break of 30.22 %, along with a water contact angle of 91.17°, indicating improved hydrophobicity. The film also showed strong UV-blocking capacity, sustained release of CEO, and high bioactivity, exhibiting antibacterial rates over 79 % against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities between 87 and 94 %. When applied to cherry tomatoes, the 3 % PE film reduced weight loss by 28.2 % and decay incidence by over 80 % throughout 16 days of storage, achieving comparable moisture control to commercial plastic wrap, while offering superior antimicrobial performance and overall preservation efficacy compared to pure starch films. This work presents a versatile approach to valorizing lignin waste into high-value, bioactive food packaging materials that support a circular bioeconomy.