Characterization of antioxidant methylcellulose film incorporated with α-tocopherol nanocapsules

Abstract

Biodegradable and antioxidant films based on methylcellulose (MC) and α-tocopherol nanocapsule suspension (NCs) were developed. MC and NCs films were prepared by a casting method in three different proportions. The mechanical, wettability, colour, light transmission, antioxidant and release characteristics of the films were studied. The addition of NCs to MC films decreased the tensile strength (TS) and the elastic modulus (EM) (p<0.05) but increased the percentage elongation at break (%E) and thickness (p<0.05). NCs films showed a higher hydrophobicity when compared to that of film control. Lightness and yellowish color were intensified in the NCs films which, in their turn, demonstrated high antioxidant activity and excellent barrier properties against UV and visible light. A burst and prolonged release of α-tocopherol to food simulant was also reported.

Evaluation of the mechanical and thermal properties of PHB/canola oil films

“…As PHB is a rigid polymer, this change in stiffness is very positive when the films are intended for food purposes, whose packaging requires greater flexibility. The decrease in the value of EM was also observed in the work of Noronha et al [37] with the incorporation of nanocapsules of α-tocopherol in methylcellulose film.…”

Synthesis of biodegradable films with antioxidant properties based on cassava starch containing bixin nanocapsules

“…In developing methylcellulose films incorporated with a-tocopherol nanocapsules, Noronha et al (2014) observed a significant reduction (p \ 0.05) in the TS from 57.82 ± 7.17 MPa (control film) to 23.19 ± 1.44 MPa, and EB significantly increased (p \ 0.05) from 17.91 ± 1.78 (control film) to 30.03 ± 1.94 %; these results suggested that the addition of hydrophobic substances modified their interactions with film-forming agents, which increased the spacing between macromolecule chains, reducing ionic and hydrogen bonding between the chains and inducing the development of structural discontinuities in the films; and according to Kaur et al (2013) the hydrogen bonding is responsible for the superhelix arrangement among starch macromolecules. Greater hydrogen bonding generates stronger interhelical interactions with less flexibility and vice versa.…”

Characterization of Barnyard Millet Starch Films Containing Borage Seed Oil

“…Based on these results, the natural antioxidants in BO can contribute to the antioxidant properties of BMS films containing BO. Similarly, the antioxidant activities of the methylcellulose films increased proportionally with increased α-tocopherol nanocapsule concentration [34]. The incorporation of other essential oils into films similarly showed a positive correlation between antioxidant activities of the films and the essential oil content [35].…”