Corn starch and gelatin-based films added with guabiroba pulp for application in food packaging

The guabiroba pulp (GP) has natural antioxidant compounds, such as phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid. The aim of this work was to produce an active biodegradable film based on blends of gelatin (GEL) and corn starch (NCS) and activated with GP, for application as package for extra-virgin olive oil, as a sachet. For that, the effect of blends composition was first evaluated in passive films, and then, a formulation was chosen to produce the active film with guabiroba pulp. The effect of the incorporation of GP on the barrier, mechanical and optical properties of these films was studied, and the antioxidant effect on the storage of extra virgin olive oil was verified in a specific test. Blends with GEL (5 and 10%) and NCS (2 and 4%) were prepared, in the different ratios. The film with 5% GEL and 2% NCS in the 1:1 ratio, was selected for the addition of GP (10 and 20%). The addition of GP caused a reduction in tensile strength and increased elongation values. The film with 10% GP was selected for the preparation of the sachet, due to its lower value of water vapor permeability. At the end of the storage period (15 days), the values of acidity index and peroxide index of the extra-virgin olive oil did not reach the maximum limit allowed by the current legislation. It can be concluded that the results obtained may be useful for future studies and applications using active and biodegradable packagingPostprint (published version

Atividade antimicrobiana e caracterização de filmes de amido de mandioca/quitosana, reforçados com fibras de cana-de-açúcar/ Antimicrobial activity and characterization of cassava / chitosan starch films, reinforced with sugar cane fibers

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a influência da quitosana nas propriedades mecânicas e de barreira da blenda polimérica amido/quitosana/fibra de cana-de-açúcar, bem como na atividade antimicrobiana destes filmes contra E. coli. Os filmes foram preparados pela técnica de “casting” e produzidos a partir de uma solução de 3% de amido, com adição de15g de fibra/100g de amido e 0,25g; 0,5g e 1,0g de quitosana/100g solução filmogênica, empregando glicerol como plastificante. Os filmes foram caracterizados quanto à espessura, propriedades mecânicas, permeabilidade ao vapor de água (PVA) e isotermas de sorção. A adição de quitosana à blenda amido/fibra de cana-de-açúcar melhorou as propriedades mecânicas dos filmes, entretanto, não melhorou as propriedades de barreira, tornando inviável a aplicação dos filmes em massas de pastel. O teste do halo confirmou a atividade antimicrobiana da quitosana, visto que a Escherichia coli se mostrou sensível frente à todas as concentrações da quitosana empregada nos filmes.

The effect of fatty acids on the physicochemical properties of edible films composed of gelatin and gluten proteins

In this study, edible films were prepared with different wheat gluten (GLU) and gelatin (GEL) ratios by the solvent casting technique using glycerol (GLY) or sorbitol (SOR) as plasticizers. Fatty acids (caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic or palmitic) were also added to a previously selected GLU/GEL/sorbitol film, and the effect of GLU:GEL proportion and type of fatty acid on the film properties were tested. Films plasticized with GLY presented a more significant reduction in the elongation at break (EB). In contrast, films plasticized with SOR did not show a significant difference in the EB. The film's water vapor permeability (WVP) and acid solubility increased with increasing proportions of GEL while the water solubility was decreased. On the other hand, the elongation at break of the films decreased with increasing GEL content, which may be associated with its more rigid structure. The addition of fatty acids resulted in lower WVP and the plasticizing effect was dependent on the degree of interaction with the proteins of the film (identified by thermal analysis). The GLU:GEL proportion and the type of fatty acid affect the film properties (mechanical, solubility, opacity, water vapor barrier), allowing the development of new materials with different and useful functional properties according to the desired applicationThe research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 712949 (TECNIOspring PLUS) and from the Agency for Business Competitiveness of the Government of CataloniaPostprint (published version

Longevidade pós-colheita da uva sem sementes 'BRS Vitória' submetida a armazenamento a frio e à aplicação de acibenzolar-S-metil

The objective of this work was to evaluate cold storage periods and postharvest longevity of the seedless table grape 'BRS Vitória' subjected to the application of the disease-resistance inducer acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM). Bunches were treated or not with 1% ASM, placed individually in plastic clamshell trays and stored in a cold chamber at 2±1ºC, at a high relative humidity, for three periods (30, 45, and 60 days), followed by a 5-day period of shelf life in plastic clamshells, at 22±2ºC. After each storage period, gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) incidence was evaluated, and the physicochemical analysis was performed. A completely randomized design, with four replicates, was used in two 2x3 factorial arrangements: one evaluating ASM application and cold storage periods; and another, ASM and cold storage + shelf-life periods. ASM did not change the physicochemical characteristics of the bunches, and the incidence of gray mold was lower than 1% in all treatments. Water loss from bunches increased with storage periods. Even without ASM application, 'BRS Vitória' grape can preserve its postharvest quality for up to 60 days of cold storage, plus five days of shelf life in plastic clamshells.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar períodos de armazenamento em câmara fria e longevidade pós-colheita da uva apirena 'BRS Vitória', submetida à aplicação do indutor de resistência a doenças acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM). Os cachos foram tratados, ou não, com ASM a 1%, individualizados em bandejas de plástico e mantidos em câmara fria a 2±1ºC e à alta umidade relativa por três períodos (30, 45 e 60 dias), seguidos por cinco dias de avaliação da vida de prateleira, a 22±2ºC. Após cada período de armazenamento, avaliou-se a incidência de mofo-cinzento (Botrytis cinerea), e realizaram-se as análises físico-químicas dos cachos. Utilizou-se o delineamento completamente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em dois arranjos fatoriais 2x3: um com avaliação de ASM e períodos de armazenamento em câmara fria; e outro, de ASM e períodos de armazenamento em câmara fria + vida de prateleira. O ASM não alterou as características físico-químicas dos cachos, e a incidência de mofo-cinzento foi inferior a 1% em todos os tratamentos. A perda de água dos cachos aumentou com os períodos de armazenamento. Mesmo sem a aplicação de ASM, a uva 'BRS Vitória' pode manter sua qualidade pós-colheita por até 60 dias de armazenamento em câmara fria, além de mais cinco dias de vida de prateleira em bandejas de plástico

Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze extract as a source of phenolic compounds in TPS/PBAT active films

There is growing interest in the development of biodegradable packaging materials containing natural antioxidant extracts. In this sense, the use of extracts obtained from agro-industrial byproducts has proved to be a sustainable alternative. In this study, Pinhão extract, a byproduct of Pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze) seed consumption, was characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, demonstrating the presence of eight phenolic compounds, (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin being the most abundant molecules. TPS/PBAT films containing Pinhão extract were produced by blown extrusion and their properties (tensile properties, thermal characteristics and microstructure) were evaluated in order to determine the effect of the presence of extracts. Results suggested that the interaction between the phenolic compounds of the extract and the polymeric matrix caused the reduction in the crystallinity degree, and an increase in the starch glass transition temperature. The presence of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze extract significantly (p < 0.05) affected the color and opacity of the film. Regarding water vapor permeation, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected. However, the water solubility and the contact angle with water (polar solvent) and diiodomethane (non-polar solvent) significantly changed due to the extract addition. Moreover, the Pinhão extract conferred significant antioxidant capacity to the TPS/PBAT films as determined by DPPH, suggesting that this material can be applied as an active packaging material.The authors thank CNPq (Chamada Universal – MCTI/CNPq no. 14/2014, Processo 447768/2014-0), CAPES (Master’s scholarship) and Fundação Araucária (Programa Universal/ Pesquisa Básica e Aplicada 24/2012, protocolo 7334133700514041013) for the financial support and they also thank Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM – UID/EQU/50020/2019 – funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019) and to the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for L. Barros contracts. The authors are also grateful to FEDER-Interreg España-Portugal programme for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

TPCS/PBAT blown extruded films added with curcumin as a technological approach for active packaging materials

The development of active packaging is a relevant topic demanding the development of films with diverse properties to preserve specific foodstuff. The objective of this work was to obtain extruded TPCS/PBAT films containing curcumin and evaluate it as an active antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging to protect chia oil from oxidative degradation. Morphology, thermal, mechanical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant evaluation of the films were conducted to determine whether the presence of curcumin affected the film’s properties. Infrared Spectroscopy indicated that curcumin addition affected the crosslinking reaction between citric acid and starch, which explains the changes in hydrophilicity and mechanical strength of the films. The incorporation of curcumin conferred antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria, as well as antioxidant activity. Films were tested as chia oil packaging, being verified that they successfully prevented oil degradation under accelerated stability test (60 °C for 7 days), demonstrating the feasibility of using TPCS/PBAT biodegradable films containing curcumin to obtain active packaging materials.Authors thank to CNPq (Chamada Universal– MCTI/CNPq Nº 14/2014, Processo 447768/2014-0), CAPES (Coordenação de Pessoal de Nível Superior Master's scholarship) and Fundação Araucária (Programa Universal/Pesquisa Básica e Aplicada 24/2012, protocolo 7334133700514041013) for the finantial support. This work was financially supported by Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM (UID/EQU/50020/2019) funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC), and Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal). CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019) through FEDER under Program PT2020. To the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for I.P. Fernandes contract.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Corn starch and gelatin-based films added with guabiroba pulp for application in food packaging

The guabiroba pulp (GP) has natural antioxidant compounds, such as phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid. The aim of this work was to produce an active biodegradable film based on blends of gelatin (GEL) and corn starch (NCS) and activated with GP, for application as package for extra-virgin olive oil, as a sachet. For that, the effect of blends composition was first evaluated in passive films, and then, a formulation was chosen to produce the active film with guabiroba pulp. The effect of the incorporation of GP on the barrier, mechanical and optical properties of these films was studied, and the antioxidant effect on the storage of extra virgin olive oil was verified in a specific test. Blends with GEL (5 and 10%) and NCS (2 and 4%) were prepared, in the different ratios. The film with 5% GEL and 2% NCS in the 1:1 ratio, was selected for the addition of GP (10 and 20%). The addition of GP caused a reduction in tensile strength and increased elongation values. The film with 10% GP was selected for the preparation of the sachet, due to its lower value of water vapor permeability. At the end of the storage period (15 days), the values of acidity index and peroxide index of the extra-virgin olive oil did not reach the maximum limit allowed by the current legislation. It can be concluded that the results obtained may be useful for future studies and applications using active and biodegradable packagin

Using glycerol produced from biodiesel as a plasticiser in extruded biodegradable films

AbstractThe demand for renewably sourced biodegradable materials has increased the need to produce materials that combine appropriate functional properties at competitive costs. Thermoplastic starch and polyester blends are an interesting alternative to current materials due to the low cost of starch and the functional properties and processability of the resulting blends. Producing thermoplastic starch (TPS) requires using a plasticiser at concentrations between 20 and 30%wt (in relation to starch). Glycerol is the most common plasticiser due to its high plasticising capacity and thermal stability at processing temperatures. The objective of this study was to evaluate glycerol waste from the biodiesel industry, with different degrees of purification, as plasticisers for TPS / poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends. Different purities of glycerol produced films with similar mechanical, optical and barrier properties to those made with purified glycerol (99.7%). Therefore, crude glycerol is a renewable alternative plasticiser that reduces the cost of plasticisation by 6-fold

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molecular weight and extrusion temperature in starch/PVA biodegradable sheets

<div><p>Abstract The aim of this work was to study the relationship of chain size of partially hydrolyzed PVA blended with starch in properties of biodegradable sheets produced by thermoplastic extrusion. It was also studied the effect of extrusion temperature profile to determine the better PVA chain size and temperature profile to produce biodegradable sheets through a factorial design. The processability and the mechanical, thermal, optical, and microstructural properties of the biodegradable sheets were adequate, indicating that PVA/cassava starch blends have potential to replace conventional non-biodegradable polymers. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus ranges from 1.0 to 2.6 and 3.0 to 6.9 MPa respectively, the elongation at break ranges from 42 to 421%. It was not possible to state a conclusive relationship between PVA molecular weight and the materials properties, but in general, PVA with medium molecular weight and high extrusion temperature profile promote an increase of mechanical properties of the sheets.</p></div

Bio-based films prepared with apple pomace: Volatiles compound composition and mechanical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties

The valorisation of agro-industrial by-products can be used as an alternative source for producing healthy food ingredients and materials. The volatile profile measured by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, mechanical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of biodegradable cassava starch film extruded with the addition of different percentages of apple pomace (AP) by-product were evaluated. Characteristic volatile compounds were identified in the samples, such as α-farnesene, sulcatone and ethylphenyl propanoate. The film containing 8% AP had higher total phenolic content (3.32 mg GAE/g, Gallic acid equivalent) and antioxidant activity (2.78 mmol Trolox/g) than the control film (0.71 mg GAE/g and 1.03 mmol Trolox/g). The minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella thyphimurium, and Escherichia coli for the films containing AP was higher than 12.5 mg/mL for all species. The results suggest that the antioxidant and antibacterial activities and mechanical properties, are dependent on the quantity of the AP added to films. Due to its antioxidant activity and mechanical properties, the AP could have real potential use as a functional ingredient in biodegradable packaging with the advantage of having good antibacterial properties.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio