Polysaccharide/gelatin blend films as carriers of ascorbyl palmitate - A comparative study

The comparative study was performed in order to assess the most suitable matrix polymer for ascorbyl palmitate (AP). The antioxidant (1 and 2% w/w) was loaded into the 75/25 blend films based on polysaccharides (gum Arabic (GAR), octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch (OSA), water soluble soy polysaccharides (WSSP)) and gelatin (GEL). The AP was present in the films both in the form of longitudinal crystals and microglobules. Because of amphiphilic character, the AP had the moisturizing action on the films; however, its addition reduced film solubility in water. AP did not affect the water vapor permeability and tensile strength of the OSA-based carrier. The Makoid-Banakar with T_lag model was suitable for the efficient simulation of AP release from the films. The OSA-based system offered the fastest release of AP and, consequently, had the best initial antiradical activity. The 1%AP-added GAR75/GEL25 film provided the most extended release of antioxidant capacity.