Synthesis of lignin from waste leaves and its potential application for bread packaging: A waste valorization approach.

In this study, lignin was synthesized from the waste leaves of Ficus auriculata obtained after the extraction of gallic acid. The synthesized lignin was incorporated into PVA films, and the neat and blended films were characterized using different techniques. Lignin addition improved the UV-shielding, thermal, antioxidant, and mechanical properties of PVA films. The water solubility decreased from 31.86 % to 7.14 ± 1.94 %, while the water vapor permeability increased from 3.85 ± 0.21 × 10 g.m.h Pa to 7.84 ± 0.64 × 10 g.m.h Pa for pure PVA film and the film containing 5 % lignin, respectively. The prepared films showed a much better performance than commercial packaging films in inhibiting mold growth during the storage of preservative-free bread. The bread samples packed with commercial packaging showed signs of mold growth on the 3rd day, while the growth was inhibited entirely till the 15th day for PVA film containing 1 % lignin. The pure PVA film and the ones containing 3 % and 5 % of lignin inhibited growth till the 12th and 9th day, respectively. Findings from the current study show that safe, cheap, and eco-friendly biomaterials can hinder the growth of spoilage microorganisms and potentially be used in food packaging.