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Smart and UV-Resistant Edible Coating and Films Based on Alginate, Whey Protein, and Curcumin
Atcharaporn Botalo1, Thitirat Inprasit1, Sarute Ummartyotin1
1Department of Materials and Textile Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand.
Polymers
|February 24, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed smart edible films using alginate, whey protein, and curcumin. These films offer excellent UV protection and extend apple shelf-life by reducing spoilage and moisture loss.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Edible coatings and films are crucial for food preservation.
- Developing active packaging with enhanced properties like UV barrier and antioxidant activity is a key research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create smart edible films and coatings from alginate, whey protein isolate, and curcumin.
- To evaluate the impact of whey protein and curcumin on alginate film properties.
- To assess the efficacy of these films in extending the shelf-life of apples.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of alginate-based films incorporating whey protein isolate and curcumin.
- Characterization of film properties including transparency, hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity, and UV barrier.
- Evaluation of water vapor transmission rate and performance in apple preservation.
- Assessment of color change in response to ammonia vapor for smart packaging indication.
Main Results:
- Whey protein enhanced hydrophobicity and antioxidant properties while reducing transparency.
- Curcumin improved hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity, UV-blocking, and reduced water vapor transmission.
- Curcumin-containing films extended apple shelf-life by suppressing respiration and moisture loss, reducing browning and weight loss.
- Films exhibited a reversible color change (orange to red) with ammonia vapor, indicating smart packaging potential.
Conclusions:
- Alginate, whey protein isolate, and curcumin composite films possess excellent UV barrier and antioxidant properties.
- These edible films effectively preserve apples, extending shelf-life and maintaining quality.
- The ammonia-sensitive color change highlights their potential as smart, active food packaging solutions.
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