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Active Starch-Polyester Bilayer Films with Surface-Incorporated Ferulic Acid.
Eva Hernández-García1, Maria Vargas1, Amparo Chiralt1
1Research Institute of Food Engineering for Development (IIAD), Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), 46022 Valencia, Spain.
Membranes
|October 27, 2022
Summary
New biodegradable bilayer films combine cassava starch and polylactic acid blends for sustainable food packaging. These films offer enhanced mechanical and barrier properties, plus antioxidant and antibacterial activity, extending food shelf-life.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Food Science
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Conventional food packaging relies on non-biodegradable and non-recyclable synthetic laminates.
- There is a growing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives with enhanced functional properties.
- Biodegradable polymers offer potential but often require modification to meet packaging performance standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel bilayer films from cassava starch-gellan gum and polylactic acid-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) blends.
- To evaluate the impact of incorporating ferulic acid on the films' microstructure, mechanical, barrier, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
- To assess the stability of these properties during storage for potential food packaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Bilayer films were fabricated using melt-blending, compression-molding, and thermocompressing techniques.
- Ferulic acid was incorporated onto the polyester layer via spraying and drying.
- Films were characterized for microstructure, tensile strength, barrier properties, and antimicrobial/antioxidant activity over two months.
Main Results:
- The bilayer films exhibited superior tensile and barrier properties compared to individual monolayers.
- Ferulic acid incorporation did not significantly alter mechanical or barrier properties but imparted antioxidant and antibacterial capacities.
- The films demonstrated stable physical and active properties throughout the two-month storage period.
- Complete release of ferulic acid was observed in aqueous systems.
Conclusions:
- The developed active bilayer films represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic packaging materials.
- These films possess enhanced functional properties suitable for food packaging, potentially extending shelf-life.
- The combination of biodegradability and active properties makes them a promising eco-friendly packaging solution.
