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Biobased films from 'Annurca' apple processing waste: Isolated cellulose and polyphenols combined for functional
Sarmad Ahmad Qamar1, Lara Comune1, Carmen Diglio1
1Department of Environmental, Biological & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
Food Research International (Ottawa, Ont.)
|December 6, 2025
Summary
Agri-food waste from
Area of Science:
- Sustainable Materials Science
- Food Science and Technology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Agri-food waste valorization is crucial for sustainable packaging.
- Apple processing waste offers potential for bioactive compounds and cellulose.
- Developing biodegradable films from waste aligns with circular economy principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore 'Annurca' apple waste for bioactive and biodegradable film production.
- To extract polyphenols and cellulose from apple waste using green methods.
- To create functional bioplastic films with enhanced properties.
Main Methods:
- Green extraction of polyphenols using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES).
- Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) preparation from residual biomass.
- Incorporation of apple polyphenol fraction (APPf) into CMC films.
- Characterization using ATR-FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, ABTS, DPPH, and in vitro cell assays.
Main Results:
- Efficient recovery of polyphenols (APPf) and high-purity CMC.
- Successful formation of CMC films with uniformly dispersed APPf.
- Films demonstrated strong UV-blocking and antioxidant activities.
- In vitro biocompatibility tests confirmed no cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- 'Annurca' apple waste is a viable resource for bioactive, biodegradable films.
- The developed films show promise for sustainable food packaging.
- This approach supports circular economy and reduces waste.
