Incorporation of Thymus vulgaris essential oil and ethanolic extract of propolis improved the antibacterial, barrier and mechanical properties of corn starch-based films.

• Corn starch-based composite films were prepared by solvent casting. • Evaluated the effect of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TEOs) and ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) on films properties • Addition of TEOs and EEP increased the flexibility and color properties of films. • Water vapor permeability, water solubility, and swelling ratio of films not changed by TEOs and EEP addition • Films with TEOs and EEP both showed synergistic antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]