Biodegradable Pectin/Starch-Based Films Applied on Fresh Pears.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Food Science
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Petroleum-based packaging poses environmental concerns.
• Polysaccharide-based films offer a biodegradable alternative.
• Pectin and starch are abundant, renewable resources for film development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, optimize, and characterize biodegradable pectin/starch films for fresh pear packaging.
• To evaluate the physical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the films.
• To assess the efficacy of the films in preserving fresh pear quality during storage.

Main Methods:

• Film formulation and optimization using Simplex lattice mixture design.
• Characterization using optical microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) testing, oil permeability testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing (tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break), and water solubility/swelling tests.
• Application of optimized film on fresh pears and storage study with visual assessment.

Main Results:

• Developed stable, transparent films with efficient UV blocking (UVC-UVB, partial UVA).
• Films exhibited good water vapor permeability and oil impermeability.
• The 100% pectin film (Pec-100) showed superior mechanical resistance, low water vapor permeability, high transparency, and rigidity.
• Pec-100 coated pears remained fresh for 15 days, while uncoated pears showed degradation after 10 days.

Conclusions:

• Optimized pectin/starch films, particularly the Pec-100 formulation, are suitable for fresh pear packaging.
• These biodegradable films enhance fruit preservation and extend shelf life.
• Renewable-source-based films present a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional packaging materials.