This study investigated the physicochemical and mechanical properties of a novel edible film based on chia mucilage (CM) hydrocolloid. CM (1% w/v) films were prepared by incorporation of three concentrations of glycerol (25%, 50%, and 75% w/w, based on CM weight). As glycerol concentration increased, water vapor permeability (WVP), elongation at break (EB), and water solubility of CM films increased while their tensile strength (TS), and Young's modulus (YM) decreased significantly (p<0.05). CM films containing a high concentration of glycerol were slightly reddish and yellowish in color but still had a transparent appearance. CM films exhibited excellent absorption of ultraviolet light, and good thermal stability. The scanning electron micrographs showed that all CM films had a uniform appearance. This study demonstrated that the chia mucilage hydrocolloid has important properties and potential as an edible film, or coating.

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The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the structural, physicochemical, barrier (water vapor), and mechanical properties of chia flour (CF)‐based films. The films were prepared with the casting method. Three ratios of CF to maize starch (MS), namely, 1:0, 1:1, and 1:2 w/w, were evaluated. A fixed total solid content of 6% w/v and a glycerol concentration of 1% w/v were used for all of the tested proportions. The transparency of the films increased as a function of the addition of MS. Moreover, CF‐based films presented a low solubility and a satisfactory water vapor barrier and showed UV‐radiation‐shielding properties. The presence of MS in the composite film elevated the molecular interactions and led to a more compact structure; this resulted in improved strength, although the elongation still remained low. CF‐based films are a promising material for the formulation of edible films with adequate physicochemical and mechanical properties and high nutritional quality. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42455.