Biofilm packaging development and characterization from underutilized Anchote starch and Aloe vera extracts

Abstract

Article InformationBiofilms are the most feasible packing alternative for reducing postharvest losses and increasing the shelf life of agricultural products. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize biofilm using Anchote starch and Aloe vera gel extract. Biofilms were developed using different concentrations of Anchote starch, Aloe vera gel and glycerol. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of the developed biofilms were tested. It was found that different ratios of Anchote starch, Aleo vera gel, and glycerol had considerable effects on water solubility, moisture content, thickness, permeability and mechanical properties of the developed biofilms. The tensile strength of biofilm developed from 100% Anchote starch (control) was 59.75 MPa, while the biofilms developed with 5% Anchote starch, 0.4% Aloe vera gel and 0.4% glycerol as well as 4% Anchote starch, 0.4% Aloe vera and 0.5% glycerol had the lowest tensile strength, 16.98 MPa and 17.55 MPa, respectively. The water vapor permeability of the biofilm developed from Anchote starch was minimized when it was composited with Aloe vera gel and glycerol. The preferred physical and mechanical properties of the biofilm packaging were achieved by combining Anchote starch, Aloe vera gel and glycerol at the ratio of 5%, 0.4% and 0.4%, respectively.