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Abstract This research aims to develop chitosan-zein protein films supplemented withBergenia ciliata(Bc) extract, a traditionally important medical herb of Himalayan origin. The film’s physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties were systematically explored. The opacity of chitosan film increased from 2.42 ± 0.97 to 10.32 ± 1.44 upon introducing zein (Z) protein in chitosan (Cs) in a 1:2 ratio (w/w); conferring enhanced UV-blocking attributes. IncorporatingB. ciliataextracts in the chitosan-zein film (Cs-Z-Bc) under optimized conditions further increased the opacity to 16.27 ± 1.03 without compromising the tensile strength. The α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of the Cs-Z-Bc film was found to be 97.07 ± 1.09%. Additionally, these optimized films displayed significant antimicrobial efficacy, with zones of inhibition of 11.4 mm measured for gram-positive strains likeC. subtilisandS. aureusand 11.2 mm and 11.1 mm forE. coliandK. pneumoniae(gram-negative) bacterial strains. The film also showed excellent biodegradable properties. The shelf life study of Himalayan cheese was significantly increased when wrapped with the film. These findings suggested thatB. ciliataextract-fortified chitosan-zein films can be an excellent food packaging material. 

Lignocellulose fiber obtained from high-altitude plant species Daphne bholua and Daphne papyracea, locally named Lokta bushes, is used in Asian regions to fabricate high-quality handmade paper sheets, packaging materials, composites, and paper bills. A systematic study on the material properties of the fiber to explain the performance of Lokta fiber–based materials has not been reported yet. In this study, the physio-chemical properties of untreated and 1%, 3%, 6%, and 9% NaOH (w/v)-treated Lokta fiber were systematically investigated at ambient temperature. The retting efficiency and cellulose content increased with alkali concentration followed by a decrease in lignin, hemicellulose, and extractives. This observation was consistent with the reduction of lignin and hemicellulose characteristics peaks in the FTIR, a reduction of effective fiber bundle width, and an increase in fiber density. High-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that alkali treatment results in significant loss of cementing materials and separation of fiber bundles. Alkali retting also increased the crystallinity index, tensile strength, and thermal stability. The degradation temperature for untreated, 6% NaOH treated, and 9% NaOH treated samples was found to be 325 °C, 343 °C, and 347 °C; respectively. The findings of this study will be important to optimize the end properties of the Lokta fiber–based paper and composite materials.