Date seeds-derived microcrystalline cellulose reinforced films for food packaging applications: Development and...

Date palm is a major agricultural crop in Oman. It generates substantial quantities of waste residues such as seeds which present significant opportunities for sustainable valorization. This study explores the fabrication of biodegradable HPMC-gelatin biocomposite films reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) derived from the date seed waste. The MCC was extracted by acid-alkali treatment, bleaching, and ultrasonication. The extracted MCC was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, chemical composition of date seed powder was determined according to TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Associations) standards. The characterization confirmed a cellulose I crystalline structure with a crystallinity index (Crl, %) of 59.5%. The MCC was incorporated into the polymer matrix at concentration of 0.2% to 0.6% (w/v). The developed films were evaluated for structural, mechanical, thermal, optical, and surface properties. The addition of MCC increased the film thickness (0.09-0.18 mm), haze (74.51-93.07%), and water contact angle (48.15°-86.79°). The higher MCC concentration resulted in non-significant reduction in tensile strength. Among all the formulations, the film containing 0.2% MCC showed the most balanced performance, with acceptable mechanical strength, improved surface hydrophobicity, and minimal aggregation compared with higher MCC-loaded films. These findings demonstrate that the ultrasonication-assisted MCC extraction from date seeds, followed by its incorporation into biodegradable packaging films, represents a sustainable and efficient valorization approach for date seed waste.