Biodegradable Anti-ant packaging film

Abstract

A biodegradable anti-ant packaging film comprising a polymeric matrix of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan incorporated with calamansi essential oil is disclosed. The calamansi essential oil is dispersed within the polymeric matrix in an amount effective to repel ants, particularly at concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 1.0% by weight relative to the polymeric matrix. The packaging film may be prepared by forming separate polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan solutions, combining the solutions, incorporating calamansi essential oil, and casting and drying the resulting mixture to form the film. The biodegradable packaging film exhibits ant-repellent properties for food packaging applications, including packaging for sweet food products.