A Master's Thesis at the University of Basra Explores the Extraction of Crude Xylane Polymer from Beech Wood Sawdust, Studying its Antioxidant Activity and Application in Food Packaging

The College of Agriculture at the University of Basra conducted research on "Extracting Crude Xylane Polymer from Beech Wood Sawdust, Studying its Antioxidant Activity and Application in Food Packaging."

The thesis, presented by researcher Amal Mohammed Majeed, aimed to convert beech wood sawdust into various polymers, including xylane, a sustainable biomaterial used in the manufacture of edible films.

The study included estimating the chemical composition of beech wood sawdust, extracting, purifying, and characterizing the xylane biopolymer, studying its antioxidant properties, and exploring its use in the production of edible biofilms.

Simple xylane films and composite films were prepared by adding chitosan to xylane at varying concentrations to improve its properties and increase the efficiency of the prepared films. Physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier tests were conducted on the prepared films. Subsequently, the film with the best properties was selected and applied to wrap tomatoes, and its effectiveness in extending the shelf life of the wrapped fruit was tested.

Media and Government Communication Division / College of Agriculture