Extraction and characterization of biodegradable bioplastic from the red seaweed Gelidium sesquipedale and its application for fresh‐cut apple preservation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND This study evaluated the extraction, macromolecular characterization, and active packaging application of polysaccharides derived from the red seaweed Gelidium sesquipedale for fresh‐cut apple preservation. RESULTS Thermo‐alkaline extraction (20 g kg −1 NaOH, 60 °C), yielded 380 g kg −1 of an agarose rich galactan fraction. High‐performance liquid chromatography–refractive index detection confirmed high d ‐galactose (684 ± 12 g kg −1 ) and 3,6‐anhydro‐ l ‐galactose (261 ± 8 g kg −1 ) contents, validating successful alkali‐induced desulfation down to 5.2 g kg −1 sulfates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the characteristic agarobiose repeating backbone. The formulated active film plasticized with 100 g kg −1 glycerol exhibited robust mechanical integrity and a favorable water vapor permeability (1.75 × 10 −6 g m −1 s −1 Pa −1 ). When evaluated as an active insert liner for the preservation of fresh‐cut apples over 12 days at 4 °C, the film significantly reduced cumulative weight loss (37.6 vs 133.2 g kg −1 for control) and maintained headspace gas equilibrium. Furthermore, the active packaging effectively inhibited polyphenol oxidase activity by 53.8%, reduced ascorbic acid degradation by 41.2%, and preserved fresh‐cut apple color by retarding enzymatic browning. CONCLUSION Gelidium sesquipedale galactans demonstrate high performance as a sustainable active packaging matrix, providing an effective, clean‐label strategy to inhibit postharvest enzymatic browning and extend fresh‐cut produce shelf life. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.71230
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7225416100