Sugarcane bagasse derived nanocellulose reinforced with frankincense (Boswellia serrata): Physicochemical properties, biodegradability and antimicrobial effect for controlling microbial growth for food packaging application

Bioplastics are startlingly growing in a rapid rate in the field of packaging to introduce newer high-end green materials. Nanocellulose is biodegradable, bio-based and can be effectively utilized for developing novel bioplastics using plasticizers and fillers. Triethylcitrate is used in the present study because of its non-toxic nature and better flowability of the suspension for solvent casting. The incorporation of some active filler can contribute to better bioplastics with improved properties. Frankincense is a natural substance extracted from Boswellia serrata tree that possesses numerous beneficial properties to be applicable as packaging materials. The biocomposite thin films were characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM and investigated the physical properties, soil burial degradability, antibacterial and antifungal properties. This study revealed the possibility of developing new biodegradable plastics with high shelf life for food packaging applications due to their predominant antibacterial and antifungal properties. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.