Andrographis paniculata extract, biochar, and g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst as functional fillers in alginate-based film for active packaging applications

Suntree Sangjan

Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand

Werachai Lipar

Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand

Orawan Chunhachart

Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Sane Campus. Nakhon Pathom, 73140 Thailand

Passorn Jongkaewvijit

Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Sane Campus. Nakhon Pathom, 73140 Thailand

Rudeerat Suntako

Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand

Wadchara Thongsamer

Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand

Warisa Singtakong

Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.72

Keywords: Andrographis paniculata Biochar Photocatalyst Active packaging Antioxidant

Abstract

Plastic films, widely used in food packaging, pose a particular challenge due to their non-biodegradability. This study explores the development of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging films using sodium alginate as the base polymer, enhanced with Andrographis paniculata herbal extract, biochar, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets. The process involved extracting A. paniculata using microwave and ultrasonic treatments, synthesising biochar from Grammatophyllum specinocum BL branches through pyrolysis, and creating g-C3N4 nanosheets from urea. Composite films were prepared by blending these additives with sodium alginate and glycerol, followed by ultrasonic processing and thermal drying. The films’ properties were characterised using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical testing. The mechanical testing results reveal that biochar significantly improved the film’s modulus, indicating enhanced strength and rigidity, whereas herbal extracts increased the film’s elongation but reduced its modulus. Microstructures showed uniform distribution of biochar particles and aggregation of g-C3N4, which influenced the film’s surface properties. Composite films with A. paniculata extract, biochar, and g-C3N4 exhibited the highest contact angles, indicating hydrophobicity surface, and reduced water swelling compared to the control film. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of films containing herbal extracts was significantly enhanced. Finally, it was found that the alginate film enhanced with biochar, herbal extracts, and g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst significantly improved its properties and increased its potential for use as active packaging.

How to Cite

Sangjan, S., Lipar, W. ., Chunhachart, O., Jongkaewvijit, P., Suntako, R., Thongsamer, W., & Singtakong, W. (2025). Andrographis paniculata extract, biochar, and g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst as functional fillers in alginate-based film for active packaging applications. Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 30(05), APST–30. https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.72

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