This work aimed to evaluate the impact of adding two essential oils (EO) from lemongrass (LEO) and Tahiti lime (TLEO) on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of chitosan-based biodegradable films. Six film formulations were prepared: two controls with chitosan concentrations of 1% and 1.5% v/w, two formulations combining the two chitosan concentrations with 1% LEO v/v, and two formulations combining the two chitosan concentrations with 1% TLEO v/v. The films’ morphological, water affinity, barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties were evaluated. The films’ surface showed a heterogeneous morphology without cracks, whereas the cross-section showed a porous-like structure. Adding EO to the films promoted a 35–50% decrease in crystallinity, which was associated with an increase in the elasticity (16–35%) and a decrease in the tensile strength (9.3–29.2 MPa) and Young’s modulus (190–1555 MPa) on the films. Regarding the optical properties, the opacity of the films with TLEO increased up to 500% and 439% for chitosan concentrations of 1% and 1.5%, respectively. While the increase in opacity for the films prepared with LEO was 357% and 187%, the reduction in crystallinity also reduced the resistance of the films to thermal processes, which could be explained by the reduction in the enthalpy of fusion. The thermal degradation of the films using TLEO was higher than those where LEO was used. These results were indicative of the great potential of using TLEO and LEO in biodegradable films. Likewise, this work showed an alternative for adding value to the cultivation of Tahiti lime due to the use of its residues, which is in accordance with the circular economy model. However, it was necessary to deepen the study and the use of these essential oils in the preparation of biodegradable films.

Basil is a highly valued aromatic plant worldwide, and drying is one of the best ways to preserve its leaves. Through a theoretical approach, the microwave drying of basil leaves can be modeled, and the effective diffusivity can be determined. However, using a model that considers moisture diffusion in the presence of intensive microwave energy is crucial. This study proposed a theoretical model to simulate the microwave drying of basil leaves in a thin layer. The model assumed that the material is homogeneous and isotropic, with the effective diffusivity depending on the microwave power. The model was solved numerically and validated with experimental data. The study also examined the effect of the microwave power on the color and bioactive properties during drying. The drying time was reduced by 60%, by increasing the microwave power from 199 W to 622 W. The effective diffusivity was found to be directly proportional to the microwave power. Drying at low powers was found to cause basil pigment degradation. However, drying at a power of 622 W resulted in better preservation of the leaves without browning. Finally, microwave drying negatively affects the bioactive compounds, as the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in all the powers evaluated were significantly lower than in fresh basil leaves.