Publication

Abstract : The critical need for sustainable packaging has driven research into biopolymer-based functional materials. This study reports advanced composite films fabricated through solvent casting of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrices functionalized with natural flavonoids: rutin, quercetin, and naringin. Rutin-incorporated films (CPR) demonstrated exceptional multifunctional performance, achieving complete UV-blocking (200–400 nm) while maintaining high visible-light transparency at minimal concentrations (0.025 wt%). Structural characterization revealed enhanced molecular organization through π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions, resulting in simultaneous enhancement of tensile strength (65.02 MPa), modulus, and elongation. These films exhibited significantly enhanced surface hydrophobicity with contact angle 106.3° and reduced water vapor permeability. All flavonoid composites showed substantial antioxidant activity, with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging efficiencies reaching 63.12 % and 54.81 % respectively. In practical bread preservation tests, CPR-0.4 effectively inhibited fungal proliferation and extended shelf life, confirming its potential as a scalable, high-barrier, active food packaging material that aligns with green chemistry principles.