Development of antioxidant chitosan film with banana peels extract and its application as coating in maintaining the storage quality of apple.

In the present study, the antioxidant chitosan (CS)-banana peels extract (BPE) composite film was developed. The different content of BPE (4%, 8% and 12%) was added to the CS film not only as the antioxidant but also as the cross-linking. The CS, CS-4% BPE, CS-8% BPE and CS-12% BPE films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The physical and mechanical properties possessed by the CS and CS-BPE films were compared as well, and the CS-4 %BPE composite film exhibited the most excellent properties. The decline in moisture contents, water solubility and water vapor permeability of CS-BPE composite film indicated the reduced hydrophilicity. Moreover, the CS-BPE composite film exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in different food simulants. Finally, the optimal concentration of CS-BPE coating treatment was identified and applied to apple fruit, and the results showed that CS-BPE coating was more capable of improving the postharvest quality of apple fruit than CS coating. This study evidences the promising nature of CS-BPE composite film and coating as a desirable alternative for active packaging and it is believed as conducive to valorization of banana peel by-products for allied applications.