New starch ester/gelatin based films: Developed and physicochemical characterization.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Gelatin films are widely used but often lack sufficient hydrophobicity and barrier properties.
• Developing novel crosslinking agents is crucial for enhancing film performance.
• Starch-based materials offer sustainable and versatile alternatives for film modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel starch-based ester, Starch-EDTAD-NHS (SEN).
• To modify gelatin films using SEN via amidation.
• To comprehensively evaluate the properties of the resulting composite SEN-Gel films.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Starch-EDTAD-NHS (SEN) via amidation.
• Characterization of SEN and SEN-Gel films using 1H NMR, FTIR, XRD, and elemental analysis.
• Evaluation of film properties: mechanical testing, water contact angle, transparency, water uptake, morphology, and solubility.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and crosslinking of SEN with gelatin confirmed by spectroscopic and analytical methods.
• SEN-Gel films demonstrated increased surface hydrophobicity (water contact angle).
• Modified films exhibited improved light barrier performance, enhanced flexibility, and reduced solubility.

Conclusions:

• The novel Starch-EDTAD-NHS (SEN) effectively modifies gelatin films.
• The composite SEN-Gel films possess superior properties including hydrophobicity, mechanical flexibility, and light barrier capabilities.
• These enhanced properties indicate significant potential for SEN-Gel films in various applications.