Antimicrobial film from jackfruit waste powder incorporating clove and ginger essential oils and its application in food packaging

Bioactive composite films were developed utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and jackfruit waste powder (JK PW) matrix, functionalized with either ginger (JK PW–GEO) or clove essential oil (JK PW–CEO). Structural characterization indicated that the essential oils were chemically anchored to the polymer matrix via intermolecular hydrogen bonding, facilitating the formation of a cohesive micro-composite architecture. These chemical interactions significantly enhanced thermal stability; notably, JK PW–GEO films exhibited superior thermal resistance (limiting mass loss to 9 % within the 180–260 °C range) compared to JK PW–CEO films (∼14 % loss). This stability is attributed to the robust retention of non-volatile gingerols within the hydrogen-bonded network, as confirmed by HS-GC–MS/MS analysis. Regarding functional bioactivity, distinct performance profiles were observed: JK PW–CEO films demonstrated exceptional antioxidant capacity (334.75 mg GAE/g; 90.62 % DPPH radical scavenging), whereas JK PW–GEO films exhibited broader antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against resistant bacterial strains such as Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella enterica . In practical application trials, both film formulations effectively extended the shelf life of bread and fresh poultry by mitigating microbial proliferation and suppressing spoilage odors. Sensory evaluation confirmed that the films maintained desirable olfactory profiles, thereby enhancing the perceived quality of the packaged products. Collectively, this study establishes that JK PW-based composites offer a sustainable avenue for active packaging, wherein ginger oil provides superior thermal and antimicrobial stability, while clove oil delivers potent antioxidant protection.