Gallic Acid and Quercetin as Intelligent and Active Ingredients in Poly(vinyl alcohol) Films for Food Packaging

Influence of chitosan-capped quercetin nanoparticles on chitosan/poly(vinyl) alcohol multifunctional films: A sustainable approach for bread preservation

Food packaging industries are growing to meet consumer demand and prevent pollution by adopting significant biopolymer advancements. Therefore, this study aimed to develop functionally active chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based biopolymer films and evaluate the effect of Justicia Adhatoda extract (JAE), pure quercetin (Q), and CS-capped quercetin nanoparticles ((Q)CS NPs) on sustainable bread packaging. CS was successfully loaded onto (Q) by the one-pot method, which was confirmed by light absorption spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The fabricated films were examined using different analytical techniques. FTIR and XRD patterns confirmed that the CS/PVA matrix had molecular interactions through hydrogen bonds with JAE, (Q), and (Q)CS NPs. SEM micrograms revealed a uniform distribution and denser surface with small aggregations by adding (Q)CS NPs. The (Q)CS NPs added CPE(Q)CS nanocomposite exhibited excellent UV light shielding (99.99 % UV-A and UV-B blocking), water resistance ability (contact angle:99.44°, WVP:3.68×10-7 gh-1m-1Pa-1), and oxygen (0.614×10-6gh-1 m-1 atm-1) barrier properties. Adding (Q)CS NPs enhanced the antimicrobial properties of CPE(Q)CS against foodborne microbes (E. coli:15.45 mm, P. aeruginosa:14.50 mm, B. subtilis:14.25 mm, S. aureus:13.52 mm, and C. albicans:15.16 mm). In addition, incorporating (Q)CS NPs, increased the shelf life of bread compared to unpacked and polyethylene-packed bread samples.

Curcumin- and quercetin-functionalized polypropylene membranes as active food packaging material

A wide range of active agents, synthetic and natural agents such as essential oils, chitosan and polyphneols consisting of curcumin, gallic acid, anthocyanins, and catechins have been used in order to develop antimicrobial packaging systems, and among them, natural polyphenolic compounds, specially curcumin (Cur) has great potential due to effective biological activities in developing food packaging material. Quercetin (Quer) is also the mostly studied flavonol as a color-changing indicator in the food industry and has been already developed as a realistic alternative for smart and active food packaging. The reason for choosing these two polyphenolic compounds is that they simultaneously possess many beneficial properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumoral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the main objective of the study is to combine polypropylene (PP), which is the most preferred and cost-effective polymer in the packaging industry, with these active ingredients, rather than using more expensive polymer types. In this context, PP-Quer or PP-Cur membranes, which are new experiences based on these literatures were chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the surface morphology of these composite membranes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial response against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria species was investigated. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species generation and anticancer activity of these composite membranes using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) were observed. We proposed that PP-Quer or PP-Cur composite membranes can be a potential candidate as active packaging material in the food industry.

Comparison of Polylactide-Based Active Films Containing Berberine and Quercetin as Systems for Maintaining the Quality and Safety of Blueberries

Polymeric thin films based on polylactide with an addition of poly(ethylene glycol) as a plasticizer and flavonoids in the form of quercetin and berberine were subjected to tests that were particularly relevant from the point of view of contact with food. A comparative analysis of the effect of individual flavonoids on the antioxidative properties of tested films and blueberry storage was carried out. The influence of active compounds on the water vapor permeability, as well as UV protection, of the obtained materials was investigated. Also, the specific migration of individual flavonoids from obtained materials to food simulants in the form of acetic acid and ethyl alcohol was determined. The crucial point of this study is the storage of blueberries. The obtained results indicate that the selection of packaging, containing individual active compounds, depends on the purpose and requirements that the packaging must meet for particular types of food.

Interface interactions driven antioxidant properties in olive leaf extract/cellulose nanocrystals/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) biomaterials

Functional packaging represents a new frontier for research on food packaging materials. In this context, adding antioxidant properties to packaging films is of interest. In this study, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and olive leaf extract (OLE) have been melt-compounded to obtain novel biomaterials suitable for applications which would benefit from the antioxidant activity. The effect of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) on the PBAT/OLE system was investigated, considering the interface interactions between PBAT/OLE and OLE/CNC. The biomaterials' physical and antioxidant properties were characterized. Morphological analysis corroborates the full miscibility between OLE and PBAT and that OLE favours CNC dispersion into the polymer matrix. Tensile tests show a stable plasticizer effect of OLE for a month in line with good interface PBAT/OLE interactions. Simulant food tests indicate a delay of OLE release from the 20 wt% OLE-based materials. Antioxidant activity tests prove the antioxidant effect of OLE depending on the released polyphenols, prolonged in the system at 20 wt% of OLE. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrates the nature of the non-covalent PBAT/OLE interphase interactions in π-π stacking bonds. The presence of CNC in the biomaterials leads to strong hydrogen bonding interactions between CNC and OLE, accelerating OLE released from the PBAT matrix.

The Influence of Solar Ageing on the Compositions of Epoxy Resin with Natural Polyphenol Quercetin

Epoxy resin compositions are used in modern railways, replacing other materials. However, epoxy composites in public transport are subject to many requirements, including that they should be flame retardant and resistant to weather conditions. The aim of the research was to analyse the resistance to solar ageing of epoxy resin composites containing flame retardants and the addition of the natural stabilising substance-quercetin. The homogeneity of the samples (optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy) and their thermal stability (TGA thermogravimetry) were analysed. The T5 temperature, which is the initial temperature of thermal decomposition of the samples, was 7 °C higher for the epoxy resin containing quercetin, so the material with polyphenol was characterised by better thermal resistance. Changes in material properties (hardness, surface energy, carbonyl index, colour) after 800 h solar ageing were investigated. The tensile tests on materials were executed for three different directions before and after ageing effect. The samples showed good resistance to degradation factors, i.e., they retained the functional properties (hardness and mechanical properties). However, analysis of carbonyl indices and surface energies showed that changes appeared in the composites after solar ageing, suggesting the beginning of material degradation. An approximately 3-fold increase in the polar component in epoxy resin compositions (from approximately 3 mN/m to approximately 11 mN/m) is associated with an increase in their hydrophilicity and the progress of ageing of the materials' surface. The obtained results are an introduction to further research on the long-term degradation processes of epoxy resins with plant stabilisers.

Multiscale structure changes and mechanism of polyphenol-amylose complexes modulated by polyphenolic structures

This study was designed to investigate the effect of polyphenolic structure on the interaction strength and process between polyphenols (gallic acid (GA), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and tannic acid (TA)) and amylose (AM). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and molecular dynamic simulation (MD) suggested that the interactions between the three polyphenols and AM were noncovalent, spontaneous, low-energy and driven by enthalpy, which would be enhanced with increasing amounts of pyrogallol groups in the polyphenols. The results of turbidity, particle size and appearance of the complex solution showed that the interaction process between polyphenols and AM could be divided into three steps and would be advanced by increasing the number of pyrogallol groups in the polyphenols. At the same time, MD was intuitively employed to exhibit the interaction process between amylose and polyphenols, and it revealed that the interaction induced the aggregation of amylose and that the agglomeration degree of amylose increased with increasing number of pyrogallol groups at polyphenols. Last, the SEM and TGA results showed that TA/AM complexes had the tightest structure and the highest thermal stability (TA/AM˃EGCG/AM˃GA/AM), which could be attributed to TA having five pyrogallol groups.

Mechanism and impact of heavy metal-aluminum (Al) toxicity on male reproduction: Therapeutic approaches with some phytochemicals

Heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental toxicants that have been known to have a serious effect on human and animal health. Aluminum (Al) is a widely distributed metal in nature. Al exposure has a detrimental impact on human fertility. This review focused on Al-induced male reproductive toxicity and the potential therapeutic approaches with some phytochemicals. Data from the literature showed that Al exposure is accompanied by a drastic decline in blood levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone, reduced sperm count, and affected sperm quality. Al exposure at high levels can cause oxidative stress by increasing ROS and RNS production, mediated mainly by downregulating Nrf2 signaling. Moreover, several investigations demonstrated that Al exposure evoked inflammation, evidenced by increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Additionally, substantial evidence concluded the key role of apoptosis in Al-induced testicular toxicity mediated by upregulating caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl2 protein. The damaging effects of Al on mitochondrial bioenergetics are thought to be due to the excessive generation of free radicals. This review helps to clarify the main mechanism involved in Al-associated testicular intoxication and the treatment strategy to attenuate the notable harmful effects on the male reproductive system. It will encourage clinical efforts to target the pathway involved in Al-associated testicular intoxication.

Dietary gallic acid as an antioxidant: A review of its food industry applications, health benefits, bioavailability, nano-delivery systems, and drug interactions

Gallic acid (GA), a dietary phenolic acid with potent antioxidant activity, is widely distributed in edible plants. GA has been applied in the food industry as an antimicrobial agent, food fresh-keeping agent, oil stabilizer, active food wrap material, and food processing stabilizer. GA is a potential dietary supplement due to its health benefits on various functional disorders associated with oxidative stress, including renal, neurological, hepatic, pulmonary, reproductive, and cardiovascular diseases. GA is rapidly absorbed and metabolized after oral administration, resulting in low bioavailability, which is susceptible to various factors, such as intestinal microbiota, transporters, and metabolism of galloyl derivatives. GA exhibits a tendency to distribute primarily to the kidney, liver, heart, and brain. A total of 37 metabolites of GA has been identified, and decarboxylation and dihydroxylation in phase I metabolism and sulfation, glucuronidation, and methylation in phase Ⅱ metabolism are considered the main in vivo biotransformation pathways of GA. Different types of nanocarriers, such as polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and nanodots, have been successfully developed to enhance the health-promoting function of GA by increasing bioavailability. GA may induce drug interactions with conventional drugs, such as hydroxyurea, linagliptin, and diltiazem, due to its inhibitory effects on metabolic enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2D6, and transporters, including P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, and organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B3. In conclusion, in-depth studies of GA on food industry applications, health benefits, bioavailability, nano-delivery systems, and drug interactions have laid the foundation for its comprehensive application as a food additive and dietary supplement.

Porous antimicrobial crosslinked film of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/carboxymethyl starch incorporating gallic acid for wound dressing application

Because of weak mechanical qualities and low degree of swelling of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/carboxymethyl starch (HP/CMS) blended films for wound dressing application, this work prepared a unique antimicrobial crosslinked film utilizing succinic acid (SA) as a non-toxic crosslinker and gallic acid (GAL) as an antibacterial agent. It was observed that the infrared-shifted peak position of OH stretching and bending in HP/CMS/SA/GAL films was caused by hydrogen bond formation among HP, CMS and GAL components. The antimicrobial crosslinked films considerably enhanced their mechanical properties and swelling degree. After adding SA and GAL, the films retained their porosity structure as observed by scanning electron images. Moreover, GAL-loaded HP/CMS/SA films could inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli growth, showing their wound dressing potential. Crystallinity percentage, water vapor transmission rate, gel fraction, water solubility, water uptake and cytotoxicity were also investigated.

Epoxy Resin-Based Materials Containing Natural Additives of Plant Origin Dedicated to Rail Transport

The presented study is focused on the modification of commercially available epoxy resin with flame retardants by means of using natural substances, including quercetin hydrate and potato starch. The main aim was to obtain environmentally friendly material dedicated to rail transport that is resistant to the aging process during exploitation but also more prone to biodegradation in environmental conditions after usage. Starch is a natural biopolymer that can be applied as a pro-ecological filler, which may contribute to degradation in environmental conditions, while quercetin hydrate is able to prevent a composite from premature degradation during exploitation. To determine the aging resistance of the prepared materials, the measurements of hardness, color, mechanical properties and surface free energy were performed before and after solar aging. To assess the mechanical properties of the composite material, one-directional tensile tests were performed for three directions (0, 90, 45 degrees referred to the plate edges). Moreover, the FT-IR spectra of pristine and aged materials were obtained to observe the changes in chemical structure. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to achieve information about the impact of natural substances on the thermal resistance of the achieved composites.

Preparation and performance testing of corn starch/pullulan/gallic acid multicomponent composite films for active food packaging

The present study investigated the mechanical characteristics, hydrophobicity, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, FTIR, SEM and XRD of films fabricated with corn starch and pullulan (CS/PUL) by adding different concentrations of Gallic acid (GA) (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% w/v). The mechanical strength and opacity of CS/PUL films were enhanced by the addition of 1.0% GA. The water vapor permeability (WVP) of CS/PUL films was significantly lower in films with GA compared to those without (P < 0.05). The addition of GA, especially at concentrations of 1.0% and 1.5%, resulted in considerably better free radical scavenging activities on DPPH than films without GA (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the highest water contact angle (WCA) value was observed in films with 0.5% GA, indicating stronger hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the antibacterial capabilities of the films, particularly against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, improved with an increase in GA concentration. The results of FTIR, SEM and XRD analyses showed that GA was well distributed in the CS/PUL matrix.

Antiultraviolet, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties and Anticancer Potential of Novel Environmentally Friendly Amide-Modified Gallic Acid Derivatives

Polyphenols and amides isolated from natural products have various biological functions, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral activities, and they are widely used in the fields of food and medicine. In this work, four novel and environmentally friendly amide-modified gallic acid derivatives (AMGADs), which were prepared by using different amides to modify gallic acid (GA) from Polygonaceae plants, displayed good antiultraviolet (anti-UV), antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Significantly, the anti-UV capability of compounds n1 and n2 was notably superior to that of the UV absorber GA. Moreover, compound n2 possessed better 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power than vitamin C. The antibacterial activities of all AMGADs, with inhibition rates of more than 96.00 and 79.00% for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, were better than those of GA. Compound n1 had broad-spectrum anticancer activity, and its inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells exceeded that of 5-fluorouracil. The good and rich bioactivities of these AMGADs revealed that combining GA with amides is conducive to improving the activity of GA, and this study laid a good foundation for their scientific application in the fields of food and medicine.

Boosting functional properties of active-CMC films reinforced with agricultural residues-derived cellulose nanofibres

The search for packaging alternatives that reduce the presence of non-biodegradable plastics in water is a focus of much research today. This fact, together with the increasing demand for active packaging capable of prolonging the shelf life of foodstuffs and the rise in the use of natural biopolymers such as cellulose, motivate the present work. This work evaluates CMC films loaded with gallic acid reinforced with (ligno)cellulose nanofibres from various agricultural residues as candidates for use in active food packaging. The first stage of the study involved the evaluation of different nanofibres as the reinforcing agent in CMC films. Increasing proportions of nanofibres (1, 3, 5 and 10% w/w) from horticultural residues (H) and nanofibres from vine shoots (V), containing residual lignin (LCNF) and without it (CNF), and obtained by mechanical (M) or chemical (T) pretreatment, were studied. The results of this first stage showed that the optimum reinforcement effect was obtained with 3% H-MCNF or 3% V-MCNF, where up to 391% and 286% improvement in tensile strength was achieved, respectively. These films offered slightly improved UV-light blocking ability (40-55% UV-barrier) and water vapor permeability (20-30% improvement) over CMC. Next, bioactive films were prepared by incorporating 5 and 10% wt of gallic acid (GA) over the optimised formulations. It was found that the joint addition of cellulose nanofibres and GA enhanced all functional properties of the films. Mechanical properties improved to 70%, WVP to 50% and UV light blocking ability to 70% due to the synergistic effect of nanofibres and GA. Finally, the bioactive films exhibited potent antioxidant activity, 60-70% in the DPPH assay and >99% in the ABTS assay and high antimicrobial capacity against S. aureus.

Investigating the microbial properties of sodium alginate/chitosan edible film containing red beetroot anthocyanin extract for smart packaging in chicken fillet as a pH indicator

The current trend in the production of smart films involves the use of pH-responsive color indicators derived from natural sources. In line with this trend, the aim of this research is to produce edible films from sodium alginate (A) and chitosan (Ch) incorporating red beet anthocyanin (Ac) extract, and to assess the properties of these films and their use as coatings for chicken fillets. The study employed a factorial design to evaluate the effects of treatments C (control), A25%-ch75% (films consisting of 25% sodium alginate and 75% chitosan), and A25%-ch75%-Ac (films consisting of 25% sodium alginate, 75% chitosan, and red beet anthocyanin). The findings indicate that the inclusion of red beet anthocyanin extract did not result in any discernible differences in the FTIR spectra of the film samples. Analysis of the XRD results revealed that the addition of the extract led to a reduction in the crystal structure of the film. Moreover, SEM results demonstrated that the extract caused alterations in the polymer chains and an increase in the porosity of the film matrix. With regard to the chicken fillet samples coated with the film, over time, there was an increase in microbial analysis (total microorganism count and Staphylococcus aureus coagulase-positive) and chemical properties (pH, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and nitrogen compounds) for all samples. However, this trend was significantly lower in the samples coated with the Ac extract (P < 0.05). Texture analysis results revealed that the hardness parameter of all samples decreased over the storage period, while the samples containing the Ac extract demonstrated a significant increase in this parameter (P < 0.05). Additionally, the color changes of the pH sensor corresponded to the anthocyanin structure. Based on the results, the smart film composed of sodium alginate/chitosan incorporating red beet anthocyanin extract has the potential to enhance the quality, prolong the shelf life, and decrease the microbial load of chicken fillet when used as a coating. Furthermore, red beet anthocyanin can serve as a suitable indicator for spoilage changes in packaged food products.

The Most Potent Natural Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Food Ingredients Isolated from Plants with Deep Eutectic Solvents

There is growing interest in reducing the number of synthetic products or additives and replacing them with natural ones. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries are especially focused on natural and bioactive chemicals isolated from plants or microorganisms. The main challenge here is to develop efficient and ecological methods for their isolation. According to the strategies and rules of sustainable development and green chemistry, green solvents and environmentally friendly technologies must be used. The application of deep eutectic solvents as efficient and biodegradable solvents seems to be a promising alternative to traditional methods. They are classified as being green and ecological but, most importantly, very efficient extraction media compared to organic solvents. The aim of this review is to present the recent findings on green extraction, as well as the biological activities and the possible applications of natural plant ingredients, namely, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, and some others. This paper thoroughly reviews modern, ecological, and efficient extraction methods with the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The newest findings, as well as the factors influencing the efficiency of extraction, such as water content, and hydrogen bond donor and acceptor types, as well as the extraction systems, are also discussed. New solutions to the major problem of separating DESs from the extract and for solvent recycling are also presented.

New opportunities and advances in quercetin-added functional packaging films for sustainable packaging applications: a mini-review

Recently, research on functional packaging films and their application to food preservation has been actively conducted. This review discusses recent advances and opportunities for using quercetin in developing bio-based packaging films for active food packaging. Quercetin is a plant-based yellow pigment flavonoid with many useful biological properties. Quercetin is also a GRAS food additive approved by the US FDA. Adding quercetin to the packaging system improves the physical performance as well as the functional properties of the film. Therefore, this review focused on quercetin's effect on the various packaging film properties, such as mechanical, barrier, thermal, optical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and so on. The properties of films containing quercetin depend on the type of polymer and the interaction between the polymer and quercetin. Films functionalized with quercetin are useful in extending shelf life and maintaining the quality of fresh foods. Quercetin-added packaging systems can be very promising for sustainable active packaging applications.

Protective effects of gallic acid and SGK1 inhibitor on oxidative stress and cardiac damage in an isolated heart model of ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Objectives

Oxidative stress and serum and glucocorticoid-induced Kinase 1 gene (SGK1) perform a central role in the consequences of ischemia in the heart. This research aimed to investigate the effect of coadministration of gallic acid and the GSK650394 (as SGK1 gene inhibitor) on the ischemic complications of a rat model of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Materials and Methods

Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups with or without pretreatment with gallic acid for 10 days. After that, the heart was isolated and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution. A 30 min of ischemia was performed followed by a 60 min reperfusion. In 2 groups, GSK650394 was infused 5 min before ischemia induction. Ten minutes after reperfusion commencement, cardiac marker enzyme (CK-MB, LDH, and cTn-I) activities were measured in the cardiac perfusate. At the end of reperfusion, the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, and Glutathione peroxidase), lipid peroxidation (MDA), total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), infarct size, and SGK1 gene expression were measured in the heart tissue.

Results

The results indicated that dual therapy with both drugs significantly improved endogenous anti-oxidant enzyme activity and TAC more than each drug alone. However, the heart marker enzymes (CK-MB, LDH, and cTn-I), MDA, ROS, infarct size, and SGK1 gene expression were reduced significantly compared with the ischemic group.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that concomitant administration of both drugs in the case of cardiac I/R injury may have a more beneficial effect than each one alone.

Development and characterization of active packaging films based on chitosan, plasticizer, and quercetin for repassed oil storage

Novel chitosan (Ch) films containing choline chloride and citric acid mixture as plasticizer (deep eutectic solvent, DES) and different amounts of quercetin (QUE) as antioxidant additive were prepared. Physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of the developed Ch/DES/QUE films were studied using FTIR, SEM, and AFM techniques. FTIR spectra revealed the possible interactions between all the components. The surface of the films was dense and rough. The addition of quercetin caused an increase in the tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus, but significantly decreased the elongation at break. The films containing quercetin showed improved antioxidant activity in relation to Ch/DES film. Finally, the oxidation phenomena of rapeseed oils with and without chitosan films were evaluated as amounts of primary and secondary oxidation products and total oxidation index. The addition of Ch/DES films with quercetin to oil samples successfully retarded secondary lipid oxidation processes and improved its antioxidant activity under the accelerated storage condition.

Effects of Quercetin and Organically Modified Montmorillonite on the Properties of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Thermoplastic Starch Active Packaging Films

The poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) film stands out owing to its acceptable price, low impact on the environment, and excellent mechanical properties. The main objective of this study was to improve the antioxidant properties of the PBAT/TPS film by incorporation of quercetin (Q) through the extrusion blow process. Another specific objective was to incorporate the organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) to prolong the release of Q and improve the poor barrier properties of the PBAT/TPS/Q film. The films were analyzed in terms of their morphology, mechanical properties, gas and water barrier properties, and antioxidant and anti-UV properties. Optimization of the OMMT content resulted in a fiber-like, co-continuous morphology of the PBAT/TPS/Q film. The incorporation of quercetin enhanced the antioxidant and anti-UV properties of the PBAT/TPS film, while OMMT improved the mechanical properties, ultraviolet barriers, and gas and water barrier properties. The results show that the films incorporating Q and OMMT provided the oxygen and water barrier by up to 94 and 54%, respectively. Also, the amount of polymer required for 50% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition is as low as 0.03 g, and the UV transmission rate was reduced by about 50%. Moreover, PBAT/TPS/Q/OMMT films successfully delayed the decay of the banana and blueberry due to their excellent antioxidant properties and suitable water vapor permeability.

Polylactide-Based Films Incorporated with Berberine-Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties

A series of new polymeric materials consisting of polylactide (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and berberine chloride (B) was evaluated. PEG was incorporated into the polymer matrix with the aim of obtaining a plasticizing effect, while berberine was added in order to obtain antibacterial properties in formed packaging materials. Materials were formed using the solvent-casting procedure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used so as to establish the structural changes resulting from the introduction of berberine. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to study the thermal properties. Further, mechanical properties and differences in colour and transparency between the control sample and films containing berberine were also studied. The recorded data indicates that berberine formed a network on the surface of the PLA-based materials. Introduction of an active compound significantly improved thermal stability and greatly affected the Young's modulus values of the studied polymeric films. Moreover, it should be stressed that the addition of the studied active compound leads to an improvement of the antibacterial properties, resulting in a significant decrease in growth of E. coli and the S. aureus bacteria cultures.

Antioxidant-Incorporated Poly(vinyl alcohol) Coating: Preparation, Characterization, and Influence on Ripening of Green Bananas

In this study, the gallic acid (antioxidant)-rich leaf extract of Ficus auriculata was incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and utilized as a coating to delay the ripening of green bananas. The films exhibited low opacity of 0.86 ± 0.014 for pure PVA (PP) and 0.92 ± 0.019, 0.99 ± 0.020, and 1.18 ± 0.029 for PVA + 1% extract (PE1), PVA + 5% extract (PE5), and PVA + 10% extract (PE10), respectively, indicating excellent transparency. The weight loss was higher in the uncoated group than in any coated fruits. The reduction in titratable acidity and the increase in total soluble sugars were slower in all of the coated samples as compared to the uncoated ones. The fruits without any treatment attained complete maturity on the ninth day where the ion leakage was 85.61 ± 2.33% while that of PP was 56.36 ± 2.95% and those of PE1, PE5, and PE10 remained below 30%. The coated samples showed better retention and consequently slower degradation of chlorophyll. The fruits coated with pure PVA as well as 10% extract-incorporated PVA remained acceptable till day 15, while the ones with 1 and 5% of extract reached full ripeness on day 18. Results of the present investigation suggest that safe, low-cost, and environmentally friendly coatings can improve the shelf life of perishable produces like bananas.

Quercetin Abates Aluminum Trioxide Nanoparticles and Lead Acetate Induced Altered Sperm Quality, Testicular Oxidative Damage, and Sexual Hormones Disruption in Male Rats

This study examined the effects of exposure to lead acetate (PbAc) and/or aluminum trioxide nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) on testicular function. Additionally, the probable reproprotective effects of quercetin (QTN) against Al2O3NPs and PbAc co-exposure in male Sprague Dawely rats were assessed. Al2O3NPs (100 mg/kg b.wt.), PbAc (50 mg/kg b.wt.), and QTN (20 mg/kg b.wt.) were orally administered for 60 days. Then, spermiogram, histopathological examinations of the testis and accessory glands, and immunohistochemical detection of androgen receptors (AR) and tumor necrotic factor alpha (TNF-α) were achieved. Moreover, serum levels of male sex hormones and testicular levels of antioxidant indices were estimated. The results showed that Al2O3NPs and/or PbAc caused significant sperm abnormalities, testicular oxidative stress, and histopathological changes. Furthermore, serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels significantly decreased, while estradiol levels significantly increased. The Al2O3NPs and/or PbAc co-exposed group had more obvious disturbances. Furthermore, QTN co-administration significantly reversed the Al2O3NPs and PbAc-induced testicular histopathological alterations, reduced antioxidant defenses, and altered AR and TNF-α immune expression in testicular tissues. Conclusively, Al2O3NPs and/or PbAc evoked testicular dysfunction by inducing oxidative injury and inflammation. However, QTN oral dosing effectively mitigated the negative effects of Al2O3NPs and PbAc by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and improving the antioxidant defense system.

Insights on thermodynamic thermal properties and infrared spectroscopic band assignments of gallic acid

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a popular nutraceutical found in various natural sources. A confusion regarding its thermodynamic properties, e.g., melting point, can be detected in the reported literature values. Similar issues exist for the assignment of its spectroscopic bands in the region of hydroxyl stretching vibrations. In this study, thermal analysis techniques, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to study the thermal behavior of gallic acid. It is shown that gallic acid exhibits various thermochemical transitions (solid-solid and solid-liquid transitions). The value of the specific heat of the thermal transition around 90 °C indicates that this effect is not only related to water removal, but to decomposition. The absence of significant/exclusive water removal at 90 °C suggests that water being present in the structure of gallic acid is strongly bounded, while the main pathway for the decomposition around 90 °C seems to be the dehydration through esterification reaction between -COOH and -OH groups of gallic acid. Recrystallization of gallic acid from methanol-heavy water solvent mixture, leads to the incorporation of heavy water in its structure. The comparative evaluation of the recrystallized and raw gallic acid allows for a proper spectroscopic band assignment of various vibrations. The thermal effect around 260 °C is a typical thermochemical transition and not a melting point. The extensive polymorphism of gallic acid and the respective solid-solid transformations are also related to partial decomposition.

Quercetin attenuates cyclophosphamide induced-immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of male Wister rats

This study investigated the protective effect of quercetin against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) via the mechanism of oxidative-inflammatory stress and behavioral indices. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) was administered to male Wister rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg with or without quercetin 50 mg/kg every other day for 7 days. Experimental techniques including western blotting, immunohistochemistry analysis, and inflammatory and oxidative stress marker assays were carried out. We also conducted behavioral analyses such as open field, tail suspension, and Y-maze tests for cognitive assessment. The results indicated that quercetin attenuated oxidative-inflammatory stress induced by CYP in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of male Wister rats by augmenting the activities of antioxidant enzymes and suppressing lipid peroxidation as well as inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 and interferon-γ. Concomitantly, quercetin partially prevented the alteration in brain tissue histological architecture and mitigated the activities of IDO/tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and protein expression of IDO1. This was corroborated by the IDO-quercetin model obtained in silico, revealing a favorable inhibitory interaction between quercetin and the enzyme. Finally, the results of behavioral tests suggested that quercetin significantly prevented the depressive-like posture of the CYP-treated rats. Our study for the first time revealed that quercetin ameliorates the effect of CYP-instigated IDO/TDO activities in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus via restoration of antioxidant enzymes and preventing oxidative-inflammatory stress.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) produced from red grape pomace: Effect of purification processes on structural, thermal and antioxidant properties

Red grape pomace was used as a source for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) production, which was then subject to a range of purification processes. The different PHB biopolymers were characterized for chemical structure, crystallinity, thermal properties, colour, release of compounds into different food simulants and antioxidant inhibition, and comparisons were made with a commercially available PHB. An increase in purification steps did not have a significant effect on the high thermal stability of the extracted biopolymer, but it decreased the degree of crystallinity and the presence of amino acids and aromatic compounds. With additional purification, the PHB powders also whitened and the number of components released from the biopolymer into food simulants decreased. The released compounds presented antioxidant inhibition, which has not been previously reported in the literature or with commercially available polyhydroxyalkanoates. This is of great interest for food packaging and biomedical industries where the addition of antioxidant additives to improve PHB functional properties may not be necessary and could be avoided.

Biotechnological Applications and Health-Promoting Properties of Flavonols: An Updated View

Flavonols are a subclass of natural flavonoids characterized by a remarkable number of biotechnological applications and health-promoting properties. They attract researchers' attention due to many epidemiological studies supporting their usage. They are phytochemicals commonly present in our diet, being ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and, in particular, relatively very abundant in fruits and vegetables. All these aspects make flavonols candidates of choice for the valorization of products, based on the presence of a remarkable number of different chemical structures, each one characterized by specific chemical features capable of influencing biological targets inside the living organisms in very different manners. In this review, we analyzed the biochemical and physiological characteristics of flavonols focalizing our attention on the most promising compounds to shed some light on their increasing utilization in biotechnological applications in processing industries, as well as their suitable employment to improve the overall wellness of the humankind.

Cyclophosphamide-induced testicular oxidative-inflammatory injury is accompanied by altered immunosuppressive indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase in Wister rats: Influence of dietary quercetin

This study evaluated the role of quercetin against cyclophosphamide-induced distortion of rat testicular function. Adult rats were administered cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg), quercetin (50 mg/kg) and in combination for seven days. Cyclophosphamide caused a significant increase in the activities of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenases (IDO), tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and elevated the concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Cyclophosphamide increased testis malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations but depleted superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione (GSH). However, quercetin co-administration significantly (p < 0.05) prevented the increased values of IDO, TDO, MPO, IL-6, IFN-γ, MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GSH compared with control rats. Also, quercetin co-treatment significantly increased serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), activities of testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 β-HSD) as well as sperm count, motility and viability but reduced abnormal sperm morphology. Quercetin exposure alone did not alter any of the parameters evaluated relative to control. Thus, quercetin protected the testes against cyclophosphamide-induced alterations in immunosuppressive IDO/TDO activities elicited by oxidative-inflammatory mediators.

Novel Hybrid Polymer Composites Based on Anthraquinone and Eco-Friendly Dyes with Potential for Use in Intelligent Packaging Materials

This study aimed to present the influence of bio-based and anthraquinone dyes and their combinations on the optical properties of ethylene-propylene (EPM) composites after thermo-oxidative and climatic aging. Therefore, the chosen polymer was filled with a natural, plant-origin flavonoid—quercetin, and with two commercial anthraquinone dyes (C.I. Solvent Yellow 163 and C.I. Solvent Red 207). The manufactured polymer composites were subjected to accelerated aging tests: weathering and thermo-oxidation, respectively. Examination of the materials’ properties indicated that the combination of synthetic and natural dyes can result in better resistance to oxidizing agents and higher thermal stability of ethylene-propylene products. Moreover, color change of quercetin-containing samples due to exposure to simulated atmospheric conditions could be a promising solution for use as aging indicators in intelligent packaging materials that will inform about the ongoing degradation process. Another interesting finding is that these samples exhibited good fungistatic activity against Candida albicans yeast and Aspergillus niger mold. Overall, this novel solution based on hybrid polymer composites containing natural and commercial dyes is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials used in the plastic packaging industry with better and more desirable properties.

Cyclophosphamide instigated hepatic-renal oxidative/inflammatory stress aggravates immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in male rats: Abatement by quercetin

The hepatic-renal toxicity associated with cyclophosphamide (CYP) treatment in both animals and humans have been reported. Quercetin, a dietary flavonoid, is known to elicit beneficial health effects. However, the influence of quercetin on the hepatic-renal toxicity associated with CYP-instigated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is unavailable in the literature. The current study evaluated the effects of quercetin on the dysfunctional hepatic-renal status triggered by CYP exposure in rats. Experimental animals were exposed to CYP (100 mg/kg) or co-treated with quercetin (50 mg/kg) every other day for 7 days. Results revealed that quercetin treatment significantly assuaged CYP-mediated oxidative-inflammatory response, as well as augmenting serum levels of thyroid hormones. Additionally, quercetin attenuated CYP-induced reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and enhanced hepatic-renal function markers, namely aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and levels of urea and creatinine. Quercetin efficiently mitigated CYP-mediated increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, levels of nitric oxide and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in liver and kidney of rats. CYP-induced increase in the activities of immunosuppressive indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) in the tissues was abated in quercetin co-treated rats. In conclusion, Quercetin ameliorated deficits in the hepatic-renal function in CYP-exposed rats by lowering the activities/expression of immunosuppressive IDO and TDO via diminution of oxidative-inflammatory stress.

Aging Resistance of Biocomposites Crosslinked with Silica and Quercetin

This research focuses on revealing the double role of quercetin accompanied by silica in epoxidized natural rubber. A crosslinking ability with antioxidative properties exists and reveals the dependence of these functions on quercetin content. Here, the aging resistance of self-healable biocomposites was analyzed. The self-healing properties were presented in our previous work. The stabilizing effect of quercetin applied as a crosslinking agent has been studied in epoxidized natural rubber with a 50 mol% of epoxidation (ENR-50). Some of five -OH moiety groups existing in the quercetin structure are able to react with epoxy rings of ENR-50 and cure this elastomer, whereas other free hydroxyl groups can donate the hydrogen molecule to a radical molecule, stabilizing it. The aging resistance of prepared composites was estimated by mechanical tests conducted before and after different types of aging, as well as by differences in color and surface energy between aged and un-aged samples. Changes within the oxygen function, which occurred as a result of the aging process, were observed using FT-IR absorbance spectroscopy. Furthermore, the impact of quercetin content on composites’ thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetry (TGA). According to the results, a proper dose of quercetin can act as a crosslinker and antioxidant in ENR-50 at the same time.

Integrating Antioxidant Functionality into Polymer Materials: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Applications

While antioxidants are widely known as natural components of healthy food and drinks or as additives to commercial polymer materials to prevent their degradation, recent years have seen increasing interest in enhancing the antioxidant functionality of newly developed polymer materials and coatings. This paper provides a critical overview and comparative analysis of multiple ways of integrating antioxidants within diverse polymer materials, including bulk films, electrospun fibers, and self-assembled coatings. Polyphenolic antioxidant moieties with varied molecular architecture are in the focus of this Review, because of their abundance, nontoxic nature, and potent antioxidant activity. Polymer materials with integrated polyphenolic functionality offer opportunities and challenges that span from the fundamentals to their applications. In addition to the traditional blending of antioxidants with polymer materials, developments in surface grafting and assembly via noncovalent interaction for controlling localization versus migration of antioxidant molecules are discussed. The versatile chemistry of polyphenolic antioxidants offers numerous possibilities for programmed inclusion of these molecules in polymer materials using not only van der Waals interactions or covalent tethering to polymers, but also via their hydrogen-bonding assembly with neutral molecules. An understanding and rational use of interactions of polyphenol moieties with surrounding molecules can enable precise control of concentration and retention versus delivery rate of antioxidants in polymer materials that are critical in food packaging, biomedical, and environmental applications.

Development and Characterization of Bioactive Poly(butylene-succinate) Films Modified with Quercetin for Food Packaging Applications

The preparation of biodegradable active packaging materials is still a major challenge. Here, we report the fabrication and characterization of poly(butylene succinate)-based (PBS) films enriched with a natural polyphenolic antioxidant—quercetin. The PBS-based films with various quercetin content (0.05; 0.10; 0.25 and 0.50 pph on PBS) were prepared via a solvent casting method. Physical (optical, mechanical, thermal, moisture and water sorption, water vapor and UV–vis barrier) and biofunctional (antioxidant and antibacterial against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) film properties were tested. The migration of quercetin into model food liquid systems was determined. As a result of quercetin addition, significant changes in color, opacity and UV-blocking effect were observed. The presence of the active substance did not significantly affect the thermal properties of the PBS matrix. However, the mechanical properties of the films were slightly decreased. The films exhibited excellent free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, O₂⁻) scavenging and some bactericidal activities. PBS-quercetin films with superior functional properties have many possibilities for active food packaging applications.

Recent developments in antimicrobial and antifouling coatings to reduce or prevent contamination and cross-contamination of food contact surfaces by bacteria

Illness as the result of ingesting bacterially contaminated foodstuffs represents a significant annual loss of human quality of life and economic impact globally. Significant research investment has recently been made in developing new materials that can be used to construct food contacting tools and surfaces that might minimize the risk of cross-contamination of bacteria from one food item to another. This is done to mitigate the spread of bacterial contamination and resultant foodborne illness. Internet-based literature search tools such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus were utilized to investigate publishing trends within the last 10 years related to the development of antimicrobial and antifouling surfaces with potential use in food processing applications. Technologies investigated were categorized into four major groups: antimicrobial agent-releasing coatings, contact-based antimicrobial coatings, superhydrophobic antifouling coatings, and repulsion-based antifouling coatings. The advantages for each group and technical challenges remaining before wide-scale implementation were compared. A diverse array of emerging antimicrobial and antifouling technologies were identified, designed to suit a wide range of food contact applications. Although each poses distinct and promising advantages, significant further research investment will likely be required to reliably produce effective materials economically and safely enough to equip large-scale operations such as farms, food processing facilities, and kitchens.

Design and optimization of quercetin-based functional foods

Quercetin is a flavonoid present in a wide variety of plant resources. Over the years, extensive efforts have been devoted to examining the potential biological effects of quercetin and to manipulating the chemical and physical properties of the flavonoid. However, limited studies have reviewed the opportunities and challenges of using quercetin in the development of functional foods. To address this necessity, in this review; we foremost present an overview of the chemical properties and stability of quercetin in food products followed by a detailed discussion of various strategies that enhance its oral bioavailability. We further highlight the areas to be practically considered during development of quercetin-based functional foods. By revisiting the current status of applied research on quercetin, it is anticipated that useful insights enabling research on quercetin can be potentially translated into practical applications in food product development.

Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein-Enriched Extracts Obtained from Olive Oil Wastes and By-Products as Active Antioxidant Ingredients for Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)-Based Films

Oxidative stability of food is one of the most important parameters affecting integrity and consequently nutritional properties of dietary constituents. Antioxidants are widely used to avoid deterioration during transformation, packaging, and storage of food. In this paper, novel poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based films were prepared by solvent casting method adding an hydroxytyrosol-enriched extract (HTyrE) or an oleuropein-enriched extract (OleE) in different percentages (5, 10 and 20% w/w) and a combination of both at 5% w/w. Both extracts were obtained from olive oil wastes and by-products using a sustainable process based on membrane technologies. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of each sample carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear resonance magnetic spectroscopy (NMR) proved that the main components were hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) and oleuropein (Ole), respectively, two well-known antioxidant bioactive compounds found in Olea europaea L. All novel formulations were characterized investigating their morphological, optical and antioxidant properties. The promising performances suggest a potential use in active food packaging to preserve oxidative-sensitive food products. Moreover, this research represents a valuable example of reuse and valorization of agro-industrial wastes and by-products according to the circular economy model.

Antibacterial Films Based on Polylactide with the Addition of Quercetin and Poly(Ethylene Glycol)

A series of new films with antibacterial properties has been obtained by means of solvent casting method. Biodegradable materials including polylactide (PLA), quercetin (Q) acting as an antibacterial compound and polyethylene glycol (PEG) acting as a plasticizer have been used in the process. The effect of quercetin as well as the amount of PEG on the structural, thermal, mechanical and antibacterial properties of the obtained materials has been determined. It was found that an addition of quercetin significantly influences thermal stability. It should be stressed that samples containing the studied flavonoid are characterized by a higher Young modulus and elongation at break than materials consisting only of PLA and PEG. Moreover, the introduction of 1% of quercetin grants antibacterial properties to the new materials. Recorded results showed that the amount of plasticizer did not influence the antibacterial properties; it does, however, cause changes in physicochemical properties of the obtained materials. These results prove that quercetin could be used as an antibacterial compound and simultaneously improve mechanical and thermal properties of polylactide-based films.

UV Protective, Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Compostable Polylactic Acid Composites Containing Pristine and Chemically Modified Lignin Nanoparticles

Polylactic acid (PLA) films containing 1 wt % and 3 wt % of lignin nanoparticles (pristine (LNP), chemically modified with citric acid (caLNP) and acetylated (aLNP)) were prepared by extrusion and characterized in terms of their overall performance as food packaging materials. Morphological, mechanical, thermal, UV–Vis barrier, antioxidant and antibacterial properties were assayed; appropriate migration values in food simulants and disintegration in simulated composting conditions were also verified. The results obtained indicated that all lignin nanoparticles succeeded in conferring UV-blocking, antioxidant and antibacterial properties to the PLA films, especially at the higher filler loadings assayed. Chemical modification of the fillers partially reduced the UV protection and the antioxidant properties of the resulting composites, but it induced better nanoparticles dispersion, reduced aggregates size, enhanced ductility and improved aesthetic quality of the films through reduction of the characteristic dark color of lignin. Migration tests and disintegration assays of the nanocomposites in simulated composting conditions indicated that, irrespectively of their formulation, the multifunctional nanocomposite films prepared behaved similarly to neat PLA.

Melt-Processed Bioactive EVOH Films Incorporated with Ferulic Acid

In this work, antimicrobial and antioxidant films based on ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer containing low amounts of ferulic acid (FA) were successfully developed by melt extrusion. Optically transparent films were obtained, and the presence of FA provided some UV blocking effect. The characterization of the thermal and barrier properties of the developed films showed that the addition of FA improved the thermal stability, decreased the glass transition temperature (Tg) and increased the water vapor and oxygen transmission rates when ferulic acid was loaded above 0.5 wt.%, associated with its plasticizing effect. Mechanical characterization confirmed the plasticizing effect by an increase in the elongation at break values while no significant differences were observed in Young's modulus and tensile strength. Significant antioxidant activity of all active films exposed to two food simulants, 10% ethanol and 95% ethanol, was also confirmed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pricylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, indicating that FA conserved its well-known antioxidant properties after melt-processing. Finally, EVOH-FA samples presented antibacterial activity in vitro against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, thus showing the potential of ferulic acid as bioactive compound to be used in extrusion processing for active packaging applications.

Innovations in Smart Packaging Concepts for Food: An Extensive Review

Innovation in food packaging is mainly represented by the development of active and intelligent packing technologies, which offer to deliver safer and high-quality food products. Active packaging refers to the incorporation of active component into the package with the aim of maintaining or extending the product quality and shelf-life. The intelligent systems are able to monitor the condition of packaged food in order to provide information about the quality of the product during transportation and storage. These packaging technologies can also work synergistically to yield a multipurpose food packaging system. This review is a critical and up-dated analysis of the results reported in the literature about this fascinating and growing field of research. Several aspects are considered and organized going from the definitions and the regulations, to the specific functions and the technological aspects regarding the manufacturing technologies, in order to have a complete overlook on the overall topic.

Antioxidant Packaging Films Based on Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH) and Caffeic Acid

The main objective of this research activity was to design and realize active films with tunable food functional properties. In detail, caffeic acid (CA), a polyphenol with high antioxidant effect, was used as active ingredient in poly (vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (EVOH) films at 5 wt.% and 15 wt.% and successfully realized by means of the solvent casting process. Optical, morphological, thermal and mechanical studies were considered to define the effect of the presence of the CA component on the structural properties of the matrix. In addition, moisture content and antioxidant activity were evaluated, to have clear information on the CA effect in terms of functional characteristics of realized food packaging systems. Results from tensile tests showed increased values for strength and deformation at break in EVOH_CA based films. Results from colorimetric and transparency analysis underlined that the presence of caffeic acid in EVOH copolymer induces some alterations, whereas the addition of the active ingredient determined a positive radical scavenging activity of the formulations, confirming the possibility of practically using these polymeric systems in the food packaging sector.