DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/54/137-144
Peri Huseynova
Nakhchivan State University
PhD student
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7021-7806
perihuseynova@ndu.edu.az
Aytaj Alekberova
Nakhchivan State University
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9970-7155
aytaclkbrli30@gmail.com
Aynur Aliyeva
Nakhchivan State University
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0013-2206
aynuraliyeva05@icloud.com
Sakina Abdullayeva
Nakhchivan State University
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4378-0148
abdlyvas17@gmail.com
Aliya Jafarli
Nakhchivan State University
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3609-3873
ceferlialiye055@gmail.com
Biodegradable Starch-Pectin Biopolymer with Essential Oil
Abstract
This study presents the formulation and characterization of a novel biodegradable biopolymer based on starch, pectin extracted from mandarin (Citrus reticulata) peels, calcium chloride as an ionic crosslinker, and mandarin essential oil serving as a natural antimicrobial and hydrophobicity-modifying component. The polymer films were produced via a solvent-casting technique and subjected to comprehensive physicochemical, mechanical, structural, and microbiological analyses. Incorporation of mandarin essential oil markedly enhanced film flexibility and reduced water affinity, while also conferring pronounced antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
FTIR spectroscopy confirmed intensified interchain hydrogen bonding and the formation of additional coordination interactions mediated by Ca²⁺ ions. SEM micrographs revealed a homogeneous and compact polymer network without phase separation, indicating effective compatibility among the constituents. The obtained results demonstrate that the starch-pectin-calcium chloride-mandarin oil composite is a promising candidate for use in biodegradable packaging systems, edible food films, and other environmentally sustainable biomaterials requiring combined mechanical stability and antimicrobial performance.
Future research should focus on fine-tuning essential-oil loading, evaluating barrier properties under real storage conditions, and assessing long-term biodegradation kinetics in soil and aqueous environments.
Keywords: starch, pectin, calcium chloride, biopolymer, crosslinking