Development of chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposites with encapsulated α-tocopherol

Abstract

Nanocomposites of chitosan (CS) were developed and characterized in a full factorial design with varying levels of montmorillonite (MMTNa) and encapsulated tocopherol (toc-encap). The structural properties (XRD, FTIR), morphology (TEM), hygroscopic properties (water vapour permeability, hydrophobicity, sorption isotherms) and optical properties (haze, CIELab parameters) of the resulting materials were evaluated. Toc-encap contents up to 10% influenced the intercalation of MMTNa in the CS matrix, resulting in films with reduced water vapour permeability (3.48×10(-11)(g/msPa)), increased hydrophobicity (ΔGHydroph |7.93-59.54|mJm(-2)) and lower equilibrium moisture content (EMC), thus showing potential for active food packaging materials. At levels above 10%, toc-encap agglomerates occurred, which deteriorated the properties of the resulting films, as shown with the TEM. As the toc-encap content increased, the films became slightly more yellow, more irregular and less transparent, with a higher haze index.

Preparation and Characterization of Piper Betle Linn. Leaf Extract Incorporated Chitosan Films as Potential Active Food Packaging Materials

“…who conducted the investigation on the composite of chitosan and thyme extract . In addition, there was a steady increase in the haze value, which is associated with light reflection from film surface and affected by the arrangement of polymer network when the incorporated PBLLE content increased . That could be attributed to the crosslinking effect caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between polyphenolic compounds and chitosan matrix …”

Effect of active films incorporated with montmorillonite clay and α‐tocopherol: Potential of nanoparticle migration and reduction of lipid oxidation in salmon

“…This solution was used to develop all films. The other films with tocopherol and MMT15A were prepared according to Dias et al using Ultra‐Turrax homogenizer (T 25, Ika‐Werke, Germany) and ultrasonic stirrer. In order to obtain the films (Table ), 145 mL of each solution was placed on glass plates (608 cm 2 ) and dried at 25°C for 24 hours to ensure slow evaporation of the solvent.…”

“…Tocopherol is soluble in nonpolar solvent of the phenolic type, which acts as acceptor of free radicals to form stable compounds that do not propagate on subsequent oxidation. Such substance plays an important role in maintaining the quality of fish, including salmon colour, since it assists in the oxidative stability of lipids …”

Use of herbs, spices and their bioactive compounds in active food packaging

“…For example, edible polymer films comprise polysaccharides, lipids, proteins or blends of these macromolecules. Cellulose-based edible films, such as methylcellulose or chitosan, 116 were recently proposed to develop antioxidant active packaging materials based on the incorporation of α-tocopherol to this blend by encapsulation of this additive to the chitosan matrix 117 . Other authors have proposed poly (-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsule suspensions to permit a longer permanence of the additive into the polymer matrix 118 .…”