Development of chitosan/gelatin/starch composite edible films incorporated with pineapple peel extract and aloe vera gel: Mechanical, physical, antibacterial, antioxidant, and sensorial analysis

Abstract

In this study, chitosan (C)/gelatin(G)/starch(S) composites incorporated pineapple peel extract (PPE) and aloe vera gel (AVG) were prepared by the casting method as antioxidant agents. Mechanical, water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content, solubility, opacity, and color properties of the effects of PPE and AVG at different concentrations (0%, 10%, and 30%) were investigated.The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical, water barrier, opacity, and color. PPE and AVG extract incorporated edible films improved thermal stability of edible films. Tensile strength decreased with the addition of extracts; the maximum tensile strength was 8.15 MPa for CGS film. The WVP of the films increased with the increasing PPE and AVG concentration. As a biological activity, the films inhibited the growth of gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). With the addition of PPE and AVG to the CGS film, its antioxidant properties were enhanced. In addition, the prepared films were applied for strawberry coating both in the refrigerator and at room temperature. Consequently, these edible-coated films can be used for active food packaging/ coating to extend the shelf life of fruits.

Aloe vera/Chitosan-Based Edible Film with Enhanced Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Thermal, and Barrier Properties for Sustainable Food Preservation

“…Adding AV gel to CH (1%) in a 40:60 ratio did not affect the film’s surface morphology. A study found that the increasing concentration of AV by up to 30% has increased the roughness of the films [ 23 , 63 ]. This can be correlated to the results obtained in the present study in the case of films composed of CH and AV in a ratio of 75:25 which showed slight roughness in surface morphology compared to the rest of the films.…”

“…Combining such materials with CH has enhanced its thermal and mechanical stability and improved the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of CH-based edible films and coatings [ 20 , 21 ]. It was reported that the properties of pure CH have been improved by combining it with other polymers and plant extracts such as starch, guar gum, alginate, carboxy methyl cellulose, gelatin, pineapple peel extract, lemon peel extract, basil essential oil [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Recent developments in the application of natural pigments as pH‐sensitive food freshness indicators in biopolymer‐based smart packaging: challenges and opportunities

“…Synthetic polymers which are mostly petroleum derivatives have the advantages of being thermal stable, low production costs, have durable mechanical and barrier properties (Priyadarshi et al ., 2021; Gürler et al ., 2023). However, they are a serious threat to the environment as they are non‐biodegradable, non‐recyclable and may be lethal to some form of life in the ecosystem (Gürler, 2023; Parlak et al ., 2024). Due to these undesirable qualities of petroleum‐based polymers, recently scientists are focusing on the use of natural biopolymers as an alternative to synthetic polymers.…”

Evaluation of effect of boric acid on thermoplastic starch: Morphological, mechanical, barrier, and optical properties

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Starch is a more edible alternative biopolymer compared to fossil fuels used in food packaging and the manufacture of plastics such as hygienic products. 9 Starch is a homopolymer consisting of branched amylose and amylopectin with a straight chain α-D- (1,4) glycosidic bond and 20-25 bonds α-D-(1.4) followed by an α-D- (1,6) glycosidic bond. [10][11][12] Starch, which is found as a reserve substance in vegetables, has 20%-45% crystallinity in nature.…”

“…These materials of biological origin can be biopolymers such as lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides. Biologically derived starch is abundant and renewable 2–8 . Starch is a more edible alternative biopolymer compared to fossil fuels used in food packaging and the manufacture of plastics such as hygienic products 9 .…”