Edible iron yam and maize starch convenient food flavoring packaging films with lemon essential oil as plasticization

Influence of pomelo pericarp essential oil on the structural characteristics of gelatin-arrowroot tuber flour-based edible films

The present study examined the comprehensive effects of incorporating pomelo pericarp essential oil (PEO) at varying concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) into gelatin-arrowroot tuber flour (GEL-ATF) based edible films and evaluated the influence on various structural properties. ATF was prepared from Maranta arundinacea L. tubers using a carefully controlled method to ensure its quality and suitability as a polysaccharide base in film formulations. The results indicated that adding PEO to the GEL-ATF films decreased L, a, and b color values and increased opacity values, especially at higher PEO concentrations. Furthermore, the appearance of both GEL-ATF and GEL-ATF-PEO films exhibited similar characteristics. Incorporating PEO significantly reduced moisture content and water vapor permeability (WVP), indicating enhanced barrier properties against moisture. Additionally, an increase in PEO concentration resulted in decreased film solubility. A decrease in tensile strength (TS) but an increase in elongation at break (EAB) was observed in the GEL-ATF films with higher PEO concentrations (>1% PEO). Slight variations in thermal degradation patterns with increased PEO addition in GEL-ATF were noticed, while X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results of the tested films provided insights into structural and chemical modifications, indicating changes in crystallinity and molecular interactions upon increased PEO concentration in the film compositions. The microstructural observations confirmed that PEO incorporation led to smoother film surfaces, suggesting a more uniform matrix, which could enhance the film's barrier and mechanical properties. Furthermore, applying PEO into GLE-ATF films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778. Overall, the present study found that the higher PEO (>1%) concentrations significantly influenced the physical and mechanical properties of GEL-ATF-based edible films. This newly developed edible film could be an effective alternative to inedible polymers for sustainable food packaging solutions.

Application of natural extracts as active ingredient in biopolymer based packaging systems

Active packaging systems come under novel techniques and are creating demands in food packaging aspects. They are specially designed for food products where shelf life is a key driving factor. Their wide range of functionality preserves the color, texture, smell, and taste of the food item retaining their freshness and edibility for longer than any other methods available on market. An active ingredient in packaging systems enables efficient consumable quality which resulted in reduced complaints from consumers. However, techniques must be inexpensive and environment-friendly. The use of biodegradable packaging systems reinforced by exploiting natural compounds forms the latest trend to attract consumer demand in substituting synthetic preservatives in foods that can protect against food spoilage. Natural extracts have gained commercial importance in active packaging nowadays for the delivery of safe and high-quality foods that are being employed in both fresh and processed produce. Development and use of innovative active packaging systems in varied forms are expected to increase in the future for food safety, quality, and stability. The review overviews the beneficial effects of plant acquired components in modulating product quality in packaged form for commercial aspects in the market.

Current Research and Applications of Starch-Based Biodegradable Films for Food Packaging

The use of biodegradable packaging material as an alternative to conventional petrochemical-based polymers is based on the environmental issues associated with conventional materials. This review aims to update the existing knowledge regarding the application of starch-based biodegradable films for food packaging. From the review, it was evident that starch stands out among biopolymers due to its abundance and cost effectiveness. This review is the first of its kind, having reviewed over 100 articles/publications on starch-based biodegradable films, consolidating their current state of research and their applications for food packaging; therefore, this review provides an insight into the utilization of nanomaterials to improve the shelf life of packaging of food.

Corn Starch/Chitosan Nanoparticles/Thymol Bio-Nanocomposite Films for Potential Food Packaging Applications

This work aims to develop corn starch/chitosan nanoparticles/thymol (CS/CNP/Thy) bio-nanocomposite films as potential food packaging materials that can enhance the shelf life of food. CS/CNP/Thy bio-nanocomposite films were prepared by the addition of different concentrations of thymol (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 w/w%) using a solvent casting method. The resulting films were characterized in terms of optical, mechanical, and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties. The addition of thymol was found to reduce the tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), and Young’s modulus (YM) of the films. Generally, the increment in the concentration of thymol did not significantly affect the TS, EAB, and YM values. The addition of 1.5 w/w% thymol increased the WVP of the films but the WVP reduced with the increase in thymol concentrations. CS/CNP/Thy-3% bio-nanocomposite films demonstrated the potential to lengthen the shelf life of cherry tomatoes packed with the films, whereby the cherry tomatoes exhibited no significant changes in firmness and the lowest weight loss. In addition, no mold growth was observed on the sliced cherry tomatoes that were in direct contact with the films during 7 days of storage, proving the promising application of the films as active food packaging materials.

L, Cacciola F, Lakhssassi N. Development of a Millet Starch Edible Film Containing Clove Essential Oil

Medicinal plants contain various secondary metabolites. The present study analyzed the essential oil of buds from clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.; Family: Myrtaceae) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis showed the presence of six major phytoconstituents, such as eugenol (66.01%), caryophyllene (19.88%), caryophyllene oxide (5.80%), phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-acetate (4.55%), and humulene (3.75%). The effect of clove essential oils (CEO) at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/w) on the mechanical and barrier properties of starch films was evaluated. The tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E) of films with clove essential oil were 6.25 ± 0.03 MPa and 5.67% ± 0.08%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the films significantly increased the millet starch film and presented the lowest antioxidant activity (0.3%) at a 30 minute incubation for the control sample, while increasing CEO fraction in the starch film lead to an increase in antioxidant activity, and the 3% CEO combined film presented the highest antioxidant activity (15.96%) at 90 min incubation. This finding could be explained by the incorporation of clove oil containing antioxidant properties that significantly increased with the incorporation of CEO (p < 0.05). A zone of inhibition ranging from 16 to 27 mm in diameter was obtained when using a concentration of CEO ranging from 1% to 3%. We also observed the presence of an antimicrobial activity on several tested microorganism including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Trichoderma fungi. Thus, the current study reveals the possibility of using a millet starch edible film as a preservation method.

Application of Edible and Biodegradable Starch-Based Films in Food Packaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In recent years, natural polymers such as starch have been widely considered as alternatives to plastics derived from petroleum derivatives in the production of packaging films. Currently, modified starches with new functional features are available that can be used in the production of the above mentioned films. The aim at this study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of application of edible and biodegradable starch-based films in food packaging. At first all of the studies related to our title by using some keywords (edible and biodegradable starch-based films and food packaging) searched for English databases; Google, Google scholar, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, SCOPUS and ISI web of Science during the 2010 to 2018 was run consisting a predefined inclusion and exclusion factors. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were: papers related to edible and biodegradable starch-based films and food packaging, papers were English, types of papers were original and all the papers were free full text. As a result, related to inclusion and exclusion criteria papers were found and analyses. Data were collected based on study characteristics, edible and biodegradable starch-based films, food packaging. In the initial search, 589 articles were found that after reviewing the titles and abstract articles and removing repetitive and non-related, 33 possible related articles were examined. Of these, 24 articles were omitted from the abstract because of lack of access to the original article and lack of sufficient information. Finally, 13 papers were included in the study. Due to novel research on the application of bio-degradable biofilms in the packaging industry of food, starch is one of the most promising and promising sources. Different needs in the food packaging industry for bio-films have led to the diverse sources of starch being studied, because each source has its own specific characteristics. The properties of films obtained from starch indicated the rigidity and reduced flexibility of the films. To prevent this and the corresponding effects on the film, other polymers can be used as additive compounds. Extending the use of starch structure techniques and the use of this material in combination with other materials to reduce the inherent weaknesses of this natural polymer has led to its further development in various industries, especially packaged industries. Starch is a proper substitute for polymers extracted from oil derivatives. In order to improve the characteristics of the produced films, a high number of compounds can be added to the matrix, and various variations can be applied during the processing. Optimizing conditions will produce transparent, non-odorous, non-flavored, and color-free films with improved mechanical, optical and deterrent features.