Development and characterization of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage-based films functionalized with pomegranate seed waste extract-mediated silver nanoparticles for postharvest preservations

Biodegradable polymer-based edible films for food packaging are promising alternatives to plastic packaging, providing protection against oxidation and microbial contamination.
Recently, mucilage (OM) derived from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (prickly pear) has attracted attention owing to its strong film-forming ability, suggesting its use as an alternative to non-biodegradable plastics.
In parallel, due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are also garnering attention as active agents in packaging materials.
In this study, therefore, OM-based films functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), mediated by pomegranate seed waste extract (PSE), were fabricated for possible application as a packaging material in postharvest management.
To ascertain their suitability as packaging material, the physicochemical, barrier, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the films were examined.
The obtained results demonstrated that the incorporation of AgNPs-PSE into OM/CNF films significantly modified total colour change (5.47-6.78), increased moisture content (MC) (13.99-23.20%), reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) (0.07-0.03 g m^‑1 day^‑1 kpa), improved puncture resistance, and enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activity in a concentration-dependent manner.
These findings demonstrate the potential of OM/CNF films incorporated with AgNPs as a new, sustainable alternative for food packaging.

IV International Symposium on Beverage Crops

S. Ngubane, J.O. Adeyemi, O.A. Fawole

Opuntia ficus-indica, mucilage, food packaging, silver nanoparticles, active packaging, valorization

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1466.36