This project pioneers the development of "smart" packaging by blending Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Gellan gum with bioactive extracts from discarded guava leaves. Guava leaves are naturally rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which possess powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. When incorporated into the biopolymer matrix, these extracts not only improve the mechanical strength of the film but also actively protect the packaged food from spoilage.
Guava leaves (often agricultural pruning waste) are dried and subjected to solvent extraction to isolate their bioactive phenolic compounds. This liquid extract is then blended into an aqueous solution of PVA and Gellan gum. The resulting mixture is poured into molds and processed via solvent casting, evaporating the water to leave behind a thin, flexible, and transparent active bio-film.
The fruit juice and puree industry generates massive amounts of guava pomace and pulp waste. This research demonstrates the viability of upcycling this nutrient-dense byproduct into commercial aquafeed for Tambaqui (a highly valuable freshwater fish in South America). Rich in fiber, vitamins, and residual antioxidants, the guava waste can partially replace expensive conventional feed ingredients like fishmeal and soy, promoting a circular economy and improving fish gut health.
Wet guava pulp waste is collected directly from juice processing facilities and rapidly dehydrated via sun-drying or industrial ovens to prevent fermentation. The dried biomass is ground into a fine fruit meal and blended with baseline aquafeed proteins and lipids. Finally, the mixture is thermo-mechanically extruded into stable, water-resistant floating pellets optimized for fish consumption.
