Effect of Carom Seed Oil on the Antimicrobial, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Starch Based Edible Film

Packaging material is necessary in the preservation process. Edible films containing essential oils can be incorporated into the conventional food packaging systems with a dual purpose, edible and natural preservative, that can maintain quality, extend the shelf life and reduce the risk of pathogen growth specifically in unprocessed or minimally processed foods like fruits and vegetables. In present study, pumpkin-arrowroot starch based edible film incorporated with carom seed oil at 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% were prepared and studied for the antimicrobial properties. Film with 1.5% Carom seed oil showed exceedingly good antimicrobial activities against E. coli, Staphylococcus and Aspergillus. The films were further studied for physical, mechanical and water vapour transmission properties. The results indicated that the film with 1.5% carom seed oil did not alter the mechanical properties of the film significantly, compared to control film and is ideal for coating to extend the shelf life of food products.