Vivekanandhan_2025_Food.Res.Int_221_117441

This study evaluated the effects of star anise (Illicium verum) essential oil (SAEO) on the properties of chitosan-based films and its potential as an antimicrobial and natural insecticidal agent. Star anise essential oil was inclusion at varying concentrations (30-150 ppm), with Tween 80 (0.1-0.5 %) used as a surfactant. The chitosan-SAEO films were characterized by reduced moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability (p < 0.05) compared to the control (without SAEO and Tween 80) film. Additionally, the inclusion of 0.5 % Tween 80 significantly improved the film's moisture retention and water barrier properties (p < 0.05). Films with higher concentrations of SAEO demonstrated increased contact toxicity (97.33 %), repellent effects (97 %), and smoke toxicity (100 %) against Sitophilus oryzae, measured 48 h post-treatment. The chitosan-SAEO film exhibited inhibitory effects against plant pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Xanthomonas campestris) and plant pathogenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Botrytis cinerea), highlighting SAEO's potential as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. The combination of chitosan and SAEO had a significant impact on insect antioxidant and detoxification enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). These findings suggest that chitosan-SAEO films hold strong potential as multifunctional bioactive packaging materials, and future studies should focus on their real-world application in agricultural and food storage environments.