Polyvinyl Alcohol Films with Algerian Eruca vesicaria Extract as Natural Antioxidants for Food Packaging

Abstract

Background: The increasing interest in active packaging films stems from their potential to reduce reliance on synthetic chemical additives for food preservation, thereby enhancing food quality and extending shelf life. Aims: This study aimed to develop, characterize, and evaluate the functional properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based solvent cast films loaded with a hydroethanolic extract derived from Eruca vesicaria (arugula), intending to produce novel active packaging materials. Methods: Initially, the total phenolic content of the Eruca vesicaria extract was quantified, and its precise chemical profile was determined through chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The resulting flexible and active PVA films were subjected to comprehensive analysis using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify molecular interactions, along with assessments of water contact angle, opacity, transparency, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH and the phosphomolybdenum assay. Results: The LC-MS/MS analysis successfully identified eight distinct phenolic compounds within the hydroethanolic extract. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed effective molecular interactions between the incorporated extract and the PVA polymer matrix. Furthermore, the inclusion of the extract significantly altered the surface wettability (water contact angle) of the films. Critically, the films demonstrated substantially improved functional properties. The antioxidant activity assessment demonstrated that films incorporated with the Eruca vesicaria extract exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity (IC50=0.75 ± 0.01, EC50=1.8 ± 0. 1 mg/mL), compared to pure PVA films (IC50=1.53 ± 0.03 mg/mL, EC50=10.69 ± 0.5mg/mL). Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that integrating Eruca vesicaria antioxidants into PVA films is a viable and highly effective strategy for producing active packaging materials with enhanced functional and barrier properties. © 2025 The Author(s).