Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 285 294 Seyed Hossein Daryabari Department of Food Science and Technology, Am.C., Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran Mohammad Ahmadi Department of Food Hygiene, Am.C., Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran Fatemeh Fazeli Department of Food Science and Technology, Am.C., Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran Peiman Ariaii Department of Food Science and Technology, Am.C., Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran 2025 11 23 2026 02 26 Background and Objectives: This study investigated the extraction of okra mucilage and its application in developing bioactive films enriched with Aloysia citrodora extract for food packaging. The effects of microwave-assisted extraction and UV treatment on film properties and preservation performance were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Okra mucilage was extracted using conventional solvent and microwave-assisted methods. The phenolic profile of A. citrodora extract was analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Films containing up to 2% extract were prepared and subjected to UV treatment. Mechanical properties, thickness, water vapor permeability (WVP), antioxidant capacity (TPC and DPPH), antimicrobial activity, and preservation efficacy were assessed in refrigerated fish fillets. Results: Microwave extraction slightly improved mucilage yield (8.7 vs. 8.3 g/100 g). Luteolin-7-O-diglucuronide and verbascoside were the dominant phenolics. UV-treated films with 2% extract showed higher tensile strength (45.71 MPa) and lower WVP (4.36 g mm/m² day kPa) compared to the controls. Antioxidant activity and antimicrobial inhibition against foodborne pathogens were significantly enhanced. Treated films delayed Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth in fish fillets. Conclusion: Combining microwave extraction and UV treatment improved film functionality, highlighting their potential as natural active packaging materials. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5957 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5957/1887