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Published on: June 3, 2015
Apple peel-based edible film development using a high-pressure homogenization
Shyam S Sablani1, Florian Dasse, Luis Bastarrachea
1Dept of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State Univ, PO Box-646120, Pullman, WA 99164-6120, USA.
Journal of Food Science
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Biopolymer films from apple peels were created using high-pressure homogenization. Film properties like water vapor permeability and tensile strength were affected by glycerol content and pressure, offering insights into sustainable packaging materials.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Apple peels are abundant co-products of the food industry, often underutilized.
- Developing biopolymer films from agricultural waste offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize biopolymer films from apple peels.
- To investigate the effects of glycerol content and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on film properties.
Main Methods:
- Apple peel-based film-forming solutions were prepared with varying glycerol concentrations (23%, 33%, 44%).
- High-pressure homogenization (HPH) was applied at different pressures (138, 172, 207 MPa).
- Rheological, water sorption, permeability (WVP, OP), and tensile properties were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Increased processing pressure reduced viscosity and elastic modulus of film solutions.
- Glycerol content influenced water content and diffusion, with intermediate levels showing highest diffusion.
- Barrier properties (WVP, OP) increased with glycerol content; tensile properties varied with pressure, with higher pressure yielding more stretchable films.
Conclusions:
- HPH and glycerol content are critical parameters in tailoring apple peel biopolymer film properties.
- These films show potential as sustainable packaging materials with tunable characteristics.
