Bioactive chitosan-based films with kamias (averrhoa bilimbi) leaf extract for food packaging/ Camille V. Bulo, Erica Mae T. Namang, and Erica Angeli Seno.--

Bachelor's thesis

College Of Science.--
Bachelor of applied science in laboratory technology: Technological University of the Philippines,
2025.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Food spoilage due to microbial contamination and inadequate packaging
contributes significantly to global food waste, with nearly 14% of food lost before retail
for fruits and vegetables accounting for nearly half of this loss. This study aimed to
develop a bioactive chitosan-based film incorporated with varying concentrations (0%,
0.2%, 0.5% and 1.0%) of Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) leaf extract (KLE) for food
packaging. The films were assessed based on their physicochemical, durability,
mechanical, barrier, thermal, and biodegradation properties enhanced film thickness,
density, color, opacity, and water resistance. FTIR analysis confirmed successful
incorporation of KLE, while Light microscopy and SEM revealed increased surface
roughness at higher KLE levels. The film with 0.5% KLE demonstrated the highest
tensile strength (117.96 MPa) while 0.2% KLE yielded the greatest flexibility (62.44%
elongation at break). Thermal analysis indicated increased heat stability with higher KLE
content. Soil burial tests revealed slower degradation with increasing KLE, especially at
deeper burial depths, indicating improved durability. Antimicrobial activity, tested using
the disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, showed
partial inhibitory effects in the control chitosan film. However, the addition of KLE did
not improve antimicrobial performance under the tested conditions. Despite this,
consumer evaluation favored films with 0.2% and 0.5% KLE for usability and
acceptability.