PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATION OF ROSEMARY OIL AND BEESWAX INFUSED PECTIN BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC FOR PRESERVATION OF MANGOES

Abstract

Fruits are vital to the human diet, providing essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, and fiber, while also being enjoyed as a tasty dessert. In recent years, global fruit consumption has increased significantly due to growing awareness of their health benefits. However, because of their high moisture content, natural sugars, and active cellular metabolism, fruits are highly perishable and prone to rapid spoilage. Conventional preservation methods are often based on long-standing practices or expensive technologies, which highlight the need for effective, affordable, and eco-friendly alternatives. This study aimed to prepare, characterize, and apply a biodegradable pectin film infused with rosemary essential oil and beeswax for the preservation of mangoes. Pectin was extracted from lemon peel powder using microwave-assisted extraction, yielding 39.31%, while beeswax was obtained from honeycomb through hydrothermal extraction with a yield of 28.87%. The filmforming solution was optimized using the Box-Behnken experimental design, and the best formulation was determined to be 67 mL of 3% pectin solution, 2 g beeswax, and 2.6 mL rosemary essential oil. The optimized film exhibited desirable properties, including low water absorption capacity (21.92%), high tensile strength (26.03 MPa), and good elongation at break (34.64%). Biodegradability testing showed complete degradation within 20 days, and antibacterial assays confirmed activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The application of the film for mango preservation was evaluated over 24 days of storage at room temperature. Compared to unwrapped controls, film-wrapped mangoes showed reduced microbial decay, lower weight loss, and better retention of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Nutritional analysis also revealed smaller changes in moisture, ash, protein, crude fat and carbohydrate compared to the control samples. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that rosemary essential oil and beeswax-infused pectin film is a promising, biodegradable packaging material that can effectively extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of mangoes.