Microstructural and physicochemical properties of biodegradable films developed from false banana (Ensete...

The recent trend in starch research is the exploration of potential applications of starches from under-utilized sources. Properties of edible biodegradable films developed from ensete 'false banana' (Ensete ventricosum) starch with glycerol as plasticizer were evaluated in this study. Microstructural examination revealed presence of pores which were gaining prominence with increasing glycerol content while FTIR analysis showed the presence of protein groups characteristic bands and existence of interactions between molecules (glycerol, starch, amide groups and water) in the polymerics. These revelations have profound effect on functional, mechanical and optical properties of the films. Thickness (156.70-189.00 μm), density (1.95-2.44 g/cm³), swelling power (84.49-102.26%), water solubility (17.07-22.32%), water vapor permeability (1.40 × 10^-8-1.98 × 10^-8 g/m s Pa), lightness 'l∗' (39.01-43.86) and energy difference (39.02-43.87) of the film were increasing with increasing glycerol content. The increase was significant (p < 0.05) with swelling power and water solubility, while puncture force (570.83-252.90 g) and film transparency (78.17-51.65%) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing glycerol content. X-ray diffraction revealed combination of C-type and processing induced V_H diffraction patterns. The results of this study exposed the promising potential of ensete starch for development of films and coatings for different packaging requirements.