Traditional packaging material (i.e., non-degradable) has resulted in severe environmental issues. Further, limiting non-renewable material resources increased the concentration on replacing non-degradable packaging materials with renewable, environmentally friendly, and green alternatives[1]. The researcher has newly regarded biopolymers, including proteins, lipids, cellulose derivatives, starch, and various polysaccharides, as polymeric materials. Numerous renewable resource-based biopolymers like cellulose, starch, pullulan, kefiran, and whey protein have been examined to replace traditional non-degradable artificial polymers[2, 3]. Within the biopolymers, Salvia macrosiphon seed gum (SSG) has been deemed one of the most favorable options for degradable and edible films due to its affordability, availability, abundance, and renewability[4].
Yet, the mechanical characteristics, like film robustness, remain lower than those of artificial petrochemical-based films. Furthermore, according to their hydrophilicity, the gelatin films' inadequate water resistance must be enhanced to ensure the films are more appropriate for food packaging [5]. Several approaches, such as chemical, enzymatic, and physiological treatments, have been devised recently. The procedure of the treatments is to convey cross-linking and cross-linking agents, such as glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde, which have been utilized to enhance the barrier and mechanical characteristics of films. Yet, the combinations are considered toxic owing to polymerization problems or elevated volatility and thus may necessitate a more suitable substance for food packing goals. Natural and low/nontoxic cross-linking agents, like liquid smoke (LS), have been newly employed. LS is created from burning wood shavings /sawdust under a restricted oxygen condition, forming condensate, which is then gathered and refined. LS holds several seasoning combinations and many aldehydes. It is a caramel, thick smoky fluid and has conveyed a smoky taste to fish, meat, and vegetarian meat substitute recipes [6–8].
Within physical techniques, UV radiation has been studied by numerous investigators. Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation utilized to improve biopolymer film characteristics [9]. Absorbing UV radiation via double bonds and aromatic rings induces free radical generation in amino acids, leading to intermolecular covalent bonds. Under ISO solar irradiance standard, UV radiation comes into three categories based on wavelength: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (200–280 nm) [10]. UV radiation, an affordable, physical, user-friendly, and eco-friendly green technology, has attracted considerable attention in current years. UV radiation has been utilized to cross-link biopolymers to enhance the features of different films, such as starch and WPC [11].
There is an increasing demand for developing natural cross-linking and strategies for food applications that are nontoxic, generic, cheap, and accessible. To the best of our understanding, no investigations have illustrated the influences of UV-B radiation and LS on SSG film. Consequently, this examination explores the impacts of UV-B radiation and LS on the barrier, physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of SSG-based edible films.