Development of biodegradable alginate films with aloe vera and quince seed mucilage: Physical, chemical, and biological properties

In this study, novel biodegradable hydrogel films derived from quince seed mucilage and Aloe vera gel were developed and evaluated for their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Four film formulations prepared by solvent casting were characterized for swelling capacity (2.61–11.95 g), solubility (61.70–99.15%), thermal stability (TGA/DTG), chemical structure (FT-IR), surface morphology (SEM), optical properties (UV–Vis), me chanical performance (tensile strength ranging from 7.4 to 12.7 MPa), antibacterial activity, antioxidant ca pacity, and biodegradability. Quince seed mucilage enhanced the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the films due to its high-viscosity polysaccharide structure. In contrast, Aloe vera gel significantly increased the films' biological activity, particularly their antioxidant potential. Films with higher quince seed content exhibited greater structural stability, whereas Aloe vera–rich films showed increased short-term bioactivity and stronger antioxidant performance. Overall, the results indicate that hydrogel films produced from environmentally friendly and sustainable natural components can serve as functional, biologically active, and promising alter native packaging materials.