Rheological and Microstructural Properties of Xanthan Gum-Based Coating Solutions Enriched with Phenolic Mango...

Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit highly desired for its vitamin content and flavor, but its peel is considered a byproduct or waste. However, mango peel contains some bioactive compounds that improve food quality matrix for the development of edible coatings or films. The effect of phenolic mango (Mangifera indica) peel extracts on the physicochemical, rheological, and microstructural properties of xanthan gum-based coating solutions was evaluated. The obtained solutions were stable during the study period and presented a non-Newtonian fluid type shear-thinning behavior described by Ostwald-de Waele. Moreover, viscoelastic properties revealed that the elastic modulus was higher than the viscous modulus, showing a characteristic of weak gels. The addition of extracts did not alter the shear rate and viscoelastic character of the solutions, preserving the pseudoplasticity and weak gel behavior of xanthan gum associated with spreadability and adherence of coatings; it modified the gel structure as a function of temperature. Furthermore, the coating solutions of xanthan gum and phenolic mango peel extracts are an alternative to develop complex food systems such as edible coatings, edible films, or delivery systems.