vguitВестник Воронежского государственного университета инженерных технологийProceedings of the Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies2226-910X2310-1202VSUET10.20914/2310-1202-2026-2-vguit-3810Research ArticleПищевые системыFood systemsDevelopment and characterization of antimicrobial active packaging enriched with thyme essential oil based on starchhttps://orcid.org/0009-0008-5568-9083NarjiliFatemehfatemeh.narjili2002@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0633-0003BannikovaOlgaBannikovaOA@mgupp.ruhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9518-7781AlkhairAlialkhaira@mgupp.ruhttps://orcid.org/0009-0003-6277-3973PirouzfarFarzanehfarzane.pirouzfar@gmail.comPaneshMuratmp0727@mail.ruFirst Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Master student,119435, Russia, Moscow, Bol'shaya Pirogovskaya Ulitsa, 2, стрRussian FederationAssistant professor «Chemistry, Polymer Technology and Packaging Solutions», Federal state budgetary educational institution of higher education Russian Biotechnological University (ROSBIOTECH University), Volokolamskoye Shosse, 11, Moscow, 125080, Russia.Russian FederationSenior lecturer «Chemistry, Polymer Technology and Packaging Solutions», Federal state budgetary educational institution of higher education Russian Biotechnological University (ROSBIOTECH University), Volokolamskoye Shosse, 11, Moscow, 125080, Russia.Russian FederationUniversity of Saarland, Master student, 66123, Germany, Saarbrurken Campus, Building A4 4, Ground floor.GermanyPostgraduated student «Chemistry, Polymer Technology and Packaging Solutions», Federal state budgetary educational institution of higher education Russian Biotechnological University (ROSBIOTECH University), Volokolamskoye Shosse, 11, Moscow, 125080, RussiaRussian Federation202630062026882284290Copyright © narjili f., bannikova o., alkhair a., pirouzfar f., panesh m., 20262026narjili f., bannikova o., alkhair a., pirouzfar f., panesh m.narjili f., bannikova o., alkhair a., pirouzfar f., panesh m.Данная работа распространяется под лицензией Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://www.vestnik-vsuet.ru/vguit/article/view/3810

This article aims to find solution to the problem of environmental pollution caused by synthetic packaging waste by improving the functional specifications of starch films with antimicrobial properties. In this study, starch-based biodegradable films infused with thyme essential oil were developed and characterized for their structural, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties. The processing technique—solution casting—was employed to produce packaging materials suitable for food applications. Vacuum degassing significantly improved film thickness consistency, surface homogeneity, and overall integrity compared to ultrasonic homogenization. Contact angle measurements showed increased surface hydrophobicity from 38° (control) to 56° with thyme oil addition, indicating enhanced moisture barrier properties. Mechanical testing revealed that higher oil concentrations reduced tensile strength (from 1.63 to 0.68 MPa) while increasing flexibility (from 31.70% to 53.87%). Antimicrobial assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. B. subtilis showed complete suppression in control and 1% oil films, with inhibition zones increasing to 1.5 mm (2%) and 16 mm (3%). E. coli exhibited progressive sensitivity, reaching 5 mm at 3% oil concentration, while C. albicans showed modest inhibition up to 2.25 mm. Overall, this research presents a scalable and eco-friendly solution for biodegradable packaging, combining structural versatility with antimicrobial protection.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.