Antimicrobial packaging materials of PLA/starch composites functionalized by pomegranate peel

Background: Pomegranate peel (PGP), which acted as both an antimicrobial and reinforcing agent, was utilized in developing PLA/starch/PGP composite extrusion sheets for food packaging. Methods: Various analytical techniques, including SEM, XRD, DSC, DMA, tensile testing, and disc diffusion assays were employed to evaluate the microstructure and performance of these functional materials. Significant findings: The results demonstrated the remarkable potential of PGP-infused sheets to inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria. It is interesting to find that the starch particles not only act as a cheap filler but also act as a control release agent by providing channels for releasing functional substances from PGP contained in the PLA film. The samples containing both starch and PGP exhibit significantly improved antimicrobial properties. Moreover, rigid PGP particles also increased mechanical properties of the PLA/starch blended sheets.