Antimicrobial and physical properties of sweet potato starch films incorporated with potassium sorbate or chitosan

Antimicrobial biodegradable films have been prepared with sweet potato starch by incorporating potassium sorbate or chitosan. Films incorporated with potassium sorbate ≥ 15% or chitosan ≥ 5% were found to have an anti-Escherichia coli effect. Staphylococcus aureus could be effectively suppressed by incorporation of chitosan at ≥10%. Whereas potassium sorbate lowers the tensile strength and elongation at break, and raises the oxygen permeability, water vapor permeability and water solubility, chitosan has the opposite effect. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra analysis revealed that starch crystallinity was retarded by potassium sorbate incorporation and that hydrogen bonds were formed between chitosan and starch. This explained the modification of the mechanical and physical properties of the films by the incorporation of these two antimicrobial agents.     

Development and characterization of novel probiotic-residing pullulan/starch edible films

An innovative approach was performed to prepare novel pullulan/starch blended edible films by direct incorporation of multiple probiotic bacterial strains. Various starches different in origin were blended into the pullulan solutions with different ratios. The physical and mechanical properties of the films were investigated in the presence and absence of probiotic cells. An increase in the starch content of pullulan films resulted in a substantial decrease in relative cell viabilities and mechanical properties. Moreover, slight changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the films were observed with the addition of probiotic strains. Pullulan and pullulan/potato starch films were found to be the most suitable carrier matrices, with a maximum relative cell viability of 70–80% after 2 months of storage at 4 °C. The results suggest that pullulan and pullulan/starch films can be used as effective delivery and carrier systems for probiotics.     

干热变性淀粉可食用膜的研究

研究不同淀粉和不同类型的离子胶混合物干热变性产物的糊化特性的变化,并以千热变性淀粉为主要原料进行可食用膜的制备。结果表明：淀粉在1％离子胶存在的条件下,130℃处理4h后,淀粉糊化的起始温度都有所降低,达到峰黏度比原淀粉要推迟,产生了抑制颗粒膨胀的效果;千热变性的玉米淀粉膜的抗拉强度最大,黄原胶存在下的玉米淀粉,其抗拉强度和延伸率均优于其它淀粉;CMC存在下的干热变性淀粉膜的透氧、透水系数最低,具有最优良的阻水、阻氧性能。     

Antimicrobial activity and physical properties of chitosan–tapioca starch based edible films and coatings

Antimicrobial activity of edible coating solutions based on chitosan and blends of chitosan–tapioca starch with or without potassium sorbate (KS) addition was studied. The agar well diffusion assay showed an antagonist effect on the efficiency of chitosan against Lactobacillus spp. when KS and/or tapioca starch were present. A salmon slice coating assay showed that the chitosan solution was the best coating since aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic cell counts were reduced, pH and weight loss remained acceptable throughout refrigerated storage, extending global quality to 6-days. Chitosan–tapioca starch based films reduced Zygosaccharomyces bailii external spoilage in a semisolid product but were not effective against Lactobacillus spp. The results suggest that antibacterial action depended on the application technique, due to the fact that chitosan is more available in a coating solution than in a film matrix. Interactions between chitosan–starch and/or KS could affect film physical properties and the antimicrobial activity of chitosan. The addition of chitosan reduced water vapor permeability and solubility of starch films.     

Rheological and physical characterization of film-forming solutions and edible films from tapioca starch/decolorized hsian-tsao leaf gum

Rheological properties of the film-forming solutions of tapioca starch/decolorized hsian-tsao leaf gum (dHG) as well as the structural properties and viscoelasticity of the resulting films were characterized as a function of dHG and glycerol concentrations. As compared to film-forming solutions with tapioca starch alone, the apparent viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus of starch/dHG film-forming solutions increased, and tan δ decreased with increasing dHG. After casting of the film-forming solutions, all starch/dHG films showed relatively low opacity values. SEM and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that all starch/dHG films exhibited homogeneous and highly amorphous structure. The extensional creep compliance of starch/dHG films increased with increasing glycerol concentration, implying weaker mechanical strength and higher mobility of polymer chains by the plasticizing effect of glycerol. However, addition of dHG pronouncedly increased the mechanical and elastic properties of tapioca starch films as evidenced by a decrease in extensional creep compliance and retardation time. Such results implied that dHG may possibly modify the network structure of tapioca starch film.     

Evaluation of antimicrobial and physical properties of edible film based on carboxymethyl cellulose containing potassium sorbate on some mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species in fresh pistachios

Active packaging is a relatively novel concept of packaging that changes the conditions of the packaged food to extend its shelf-life and improve its safety. In this study, antimicrobial effects of carboxymethyl cellulose based-edible film containing potassium sorbate as an antimicrobial agent were studied against Aspergillus flavus (PTCC-5004), Aspergillus parasiticus (PTCC-5286) and A. parasiticus (PTCC-5018) by using agar diffusion assay. Results showed suitable inhibition effects against A. parasiticus (PTCC-5286) and A. flavus (PTCC-5004) in comparison with A. parasiticus (PTCC-5018). Pistachios were coated with this edible antimicrobial film containing three concentrations of sorbate (1, 0.5 and 0.25 g/100 mL film solution); all concentrations showed no growth of molds. Tensile strength values of films with potassium sorbate, decreased when compared to control, and film’s flexibility, was 28.82 percent for 3 g/100 mL sorbate, while higher concentration of sorbate, decreased the flexibility. The water vapor permeability values (WVP) of films were determined to be 1.18 (g mm/m² day kPa) for films plasticized with glycerol, without sorbate while WVP values for the films containing 1 and 2 g/100 mL sorbate increased to 3.77 and 15.5 (g mm/m² day kPa), respectively. The observed glass transition temperature (T_G) depression for these polymer blends was related to the plasticizer content (water, polyethylene, and glycerol), especially water.     

Potato starch edible films to control oxidative rancidity of polyunsaturated lipids: effects of film composition, thickness and water activity

The objective of this work was to study the effect of potato starch-based films acting as oxygen barrier on the oxidative rancidity of vegetable oil, as an example of a food rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The effect of glycerol (Gly) content (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%), film thickness (30, 60, 100 μm) as well as environmental relative humidity (RH) (50% or 75%) were analysed. Results obtained confirmed that potato starch films delayed the rancidity in vegetable oil. Films without Gly provided the same protection as films with 10% Gly. Films with higher Gly content were not as effective oxygen barrier. It is likely that the fact that film protective capability diminished with increased RH or Gly content was due to the increasing moisture content of the films. Despite that fact, potato starch films can be considered a very efficient oxygen barrier even at RH as high as 75%.     

Effects of polyvinylchloride films and edible starch coatings on quality aspects of refrigerated Brussels sprouts

To extend shelf life, the effects of polyvinylchloride film (PVC) and edible coatings on quality aspects of refrigerated Brussels sprouts were studied. Starch-based coatings were formulated using glycerol (G), sorbitol (S) or glycerol plus sunflower oil (O). Sprouts so treated as well as uncoated ones were placed on expanded polystyrene trays. Combinations of PVC and coatings (treatments named G-PVC, S-PVC and O-PVC) were also tested. Uncovered trays were maintained as controls. All packages were stored at 0 °C for 42 days and samples were removed every 14 days to determine commercial acceptability, weight loss, surface colour (of sprouts’ heads and bases) and texture. Sprouts in all treatments maintained optimum quality conditions over the first 14 days. At the end of storage, browning of cut zones and losses in weight and firmness were minimised in PVC-packaged sprouts, particularly in G-PVC. Therefore, PVC and G-PVC treatments were selected to evaluate some nutritional quality components. Ascorbic acid and total flavonoid contents remained almost constant while radical scavenging activity increased after 42 days of storage. Thus, PVC and G-PVC treatments showed the best performance for long-term refrigerated storage of Brussels sprouts.     

Properties and antimicrobial activity of edible films incorporated with kiam wood (Cotyleobium lanceotatum) extract

The antimicrobial properties of wood extracts are well known; however their application to edible films is limited. In this study, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of kiam wood extract was established as 300 mg/L at which bacterial growth was completely inhibited. The antimicrobial properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films containing 1-5 fold of MBC of kiam wood extract were tested against Escherichia coli O175:H7, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The edible films containing kiam wood extract exhibited more effective impact on the growth reduction of L. monocytogenes than S. aureus and E. coli (p < 0.05). The use of kiam wood extract at 1 and 2 fold of MBC incorporated into edible HPMC films did not exhibit any antimicrobial activity. However, the inhibitory effect of edible HPMC films containing kiam wood extract was observed at 3, 4 and 5 fold of MBC. The greatest zone of inhibition was observed at 5 fold of MBC incorporated in edible HPMC films. Tensile strength and elongation at break significantly decreased with the incorporation of kiam wood extract, whereas water vapor permeability and film solubility increased. The color of edible films became darker and more reddish-yellowish as well as having a lower transparency as the level of kiam wood extract was increased. Kiam wood extract incorporated in edible film provided the films with a rougher surface than pure edible film. Our results pointed out that the incorporation of kiam wood extract as a natural antibacterial agent has potential for use in extending the shelf life of food products.     

Antimicrobial and physical properties of edible chitosan films enhanced by lactoperoxidase system

Effects of lactoperoxidase system (LPOS) incorporated directly into chitosan films at different concentrations (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) were studied. Films obtained were tested on the inhibition of phytopathogenic strains such as Xanthomonas campestris pv. Mangifera indica, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (C. 64, C. 4612 and C. 62) and Lasiodiplodia theobromae ngr 05A. Water vapor permeability and mechanical properties of films with LPOS and/or not iodine were also studied. Antibacterial effect obtained by disc diameter technique indicated that chitosan concentration at 1 and 1.5% (w/w) incorporated with LPOS and/or not iodine inhibited higher X. campestris pv. M. indica than chitosan film alone or at low concentrated of 0.5% incorporated by LPOS. The antimicrobial technique using puncture gave very good information on the antifungal effect and on the variability in susceptibility of strains of fungi. C. gloeosporioides C64 and L. theobromae were inhibited completely by 1 and 1.5% chitosan incorporated by LPOS contained or not iodine, while C. gloeosporioides C4612 was sensitive to the presence of iodine and C62 were resistant strains. The properties of chitosan films were not significantly changed by the incorporation of the enzyme system.     

Analysis of water binding in starch plasticized films

The water-binding properties of wheat starch films were studied through the determination of water vapour adsorption isotherms at 20 °C. Starch films were obtained by casting after mixing native starch at 95 °C for 15 min with different ratios of plasticizer (glycerol).     

Study of the performance of nisin supported in edible films

The antimicrobial activity of nisin supported in edible films prepared with suspensions of tapioca starch containing glycerol, was studied. Films were prepared by casting the systems after gelatinization. The effect of the edible film as antimicrobial barrier to external hazard as well as the diffusional characteristics of the nisin and its release characteristics were studied in parallel to antimicrobial inactivation. Studies were performed with L. innocua, after equilibration of edible films at a relative humidity (RH) of 57.5% and at 25 °C. Results obtained showed that nisin supported in starch-based films is active and that the film is a useful barrier to further product contamination. Gradual release of the antimicrobial from the edible film can also help to preclude microorganism proliferation better than nisin directly added because it seems to counterbalance, at least partially, the inactivation of nisin.     

Extrusion processing and characterization of edible starch films with different amylose contents

Various edible starch films were prepared via extrusion, with a particular focus on the effects of the amylose content of starches from the same resource (corn) on film processibility and performances. Four corn starches with different amylose contents (4.3-77.4%) were used as model materials. The effects of various extrusion processing conditions, such as temperature, screw speed, feeding rate, and water content were systematically investigated. It was found that, while a higher amylose content increased the difficulty of extrusion processing, this could be overcome by increasing the processing temperature, moisture content, and equilibration time. On the other hand, mechanical testing, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and microscopy showed that films based on higher amylose starch had better mechanical and thermal properties. The reasons include not only the easy entanglement of long linear amylose chains, but also the retained granular structure in high-amylose films, which may act as self-reinforcement.     

Physical properties of edible modified starch/carboxymethyl cellulose films

Novel modified starch/carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) composite films were prepared by a casting method. The effects of CMC addition on the some physical properties of the resulted blend films were investigated. The blend film composed of 15% W/W CMC /starch, showed the lowest water vapor permeability (WVP) value (2.34 × 10⁻⁷ g/m^.h^.Pa).The moisture absorption and solubility in water properties of the blend films exhibited similar trends. The addition of CMC at the level of 20% W/W starch caused an increase in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) by more than 59% in comparison to the pure starch film without any significant decrease in the strain to break (SB). The measurement of color values showed that by the increasing of the CMC content in polymer matrix, the b values (yellowness), YI and ∆E of the blend films decreased and the L values (Lightness) and WI index increased.

Industrial relevance

Ecological concerns have resulted in a renewed interest in natural and compostable materials, and therefore issues such as biodegradability and environmental safety are becoming important. Tailoring new products within a perspective of sustainable development or eco-design, is a philosophy that is applied to more and more materials. It is the reason why material components such as natural fibres, biodegradable polymers can be considered as interesting – environmentally safe – alternatives for the development of new biodegradable composites.Development of biodegradable materials based on starch has become a very attractive option and production of starch based plastic are gradually obtained considerable concern in the world.In this research, improvement of starch film properties is investigated.     

Preparation and drug release properties of lignin–starch biodegradable films

Starch is one of the most commonly available natural polymers which are obtained from agro‐sources. It is renewable and abundant in nature. Unfortunately due to its poor mechanical properties and hygroscopic nature, there are some strong limitations to the development of starch‐based products. Usually blends of starch are prepared and plasticized with glycerol to improve some of its properties. In this study, lignin was extracted from hazelnut shells and investigated as a potential additive for starch biofilms. The structural characterization of hazelnut lignin was performed by employing UV spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Lignin was blended with corn starch in different ratios to obtain biofilms. Mechanical and thermal properties of the biofilms were enhanced as the lignin amount was increased in the formulations. Water absorption tests were performed at pH 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0. The percent swelling values of the starch/lignin films increased as pH increased. Also, the biofilm exhibiting the best properties was chosen for the drug release studies. Biofilms showed a fast ciprofloxacin (CPF) release within an hour and then the drug release rate decreased. A pH dependent drug release mechanism was also observed according to Koshner–Peppas model. The drug release increased with a decrease in pH.     

Development of mono and multilayer antimicrobial food packaging materials for controlled release of potassium sorbate

In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) based mono and multilayer films including potassium sorbate (Psb) as an antimicrobial agent were prepared using dry phase inversion technique. To achieve appropriate controlled release of Psb, the structure of the films was changed by manipulating the film preparation conditions. In particular, the initial casting composition, wet casting thickness and drying temperature were varied. Results indicate that Psb release rate decreased as the CA content in the casting solution, the wet casting thickness and the drying temperature for both mono and multilayer films were increased. Compared to the results for the monolayer films, a significant decrease of Psb release rate through the multilayer films was recorded. Drying-induced crystallization was observed in the monolayer films. As a consequence of this, a fast initial release of Psb, controlled by Fickian diffusion, was followed by a slower release controlled by dissolution of Psb crystals. In multilayer films, no crystals were detected in the structure and the release rate was regulated only by diffusion of Psb through the film. The results suggest that the films prepared in this study can be used as food packaging materials for achieving controlled and extended release of Psb.     

Mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of edible films made from fractionated soy proteins with ultrafiltration

Soy protein isolates (SPI) were fractionated by ultrafiltration unit equipped with 100 and 300 kDa cutoff size membranes. Glycerol-plasticized fractionated soy protein films were developed by casting methods. Mechanical, moisture barrier and physical properties of films, as affected by molecular weight of soy protein fraction, were investigated. Tensile strength and percent elongation at break of films increased with molecular weight of soy proteins. However, molecular weight variation did not influence the water vapor barrier properties of films. Protein solubilities of fractionated films were in the range of 3.5-4.6 g/100 g of dry film, whereas 11.9 g of proteins were solubilized from 100 g of dry SPI film. Hunter b value of fractionated protein films decreased with molecular weight of soy protein.     

Effect of surfactants on water barrier and physical properties of tapioca starch/decolorized hsian-tsao leaf gum films

The objective of this research is to enhance the water barrier properties of tapioca starch/dHG edible films by incorporating sucrose ester surfactants with different HLB values. The moisture sorption isotherms, mechanical properties, microstructure and optical character of the resulting films were examined as well. It was found that the water barrier property of starch/dHG films is promoted significantly by surfactants, alongside a decreasing tendency in tensile strength and tensile strain at break. Scanning electron micrographs of the starch/dHG/surfactant composite films revealed the folded (multi-layer) microstructure in contrast to the homogeneous matrix of the control films. Starch/dHG/surfactant composite films show low opacity values. With increasing HLB value of the surfactant, the water vapor permeability and tensile strength of starch/dHG/surfactant composite films decrease. Moreover, the water vapor permeability, tensile strength, strain at break, and equilibrium moisture content of starch/dHG/surfactant composite films decrease when the surfactant content is increased, accompanied by an increasing tendency in opacity value. On the other hand, starch/dHG composite film with an emulsion of surfactant and beeswax shows a lower mechanical strength and significantly higher opacity value with less improvement in water vapor permeability.