Full text
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| Author(s): |
Ana Cristina de Souza
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP/BC) |
| Defense date: | 2011-05-16 |
| Examining board members: |
Carmen Cecilia Tadini;
Antonio Carlos Vieira Coelho;
Silene Bruder Silveira Sarmento
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| Advisor: | Carmen Cecilia Tadini |
| Abstract | |
This work concerned the development of biodegradable and active packaging based on cassava starch and natural antimicrobial agents that efficiently inhibit growth of fungi commonly found in bread products (Penicillium commune and Eurotium amstelodami). Biodegradable films were prepared by the casting technique, using sugars and glycerol as plasticizers. An increase in glycerol content caused a decrease in tensile strength and an elevation on barrier properties results. In a second phase of the work, incorporation of nanoclays diminished water vapor and oxygen permeability thus improving film packaging properties. Two antimicrobial agents were tested (cinnamon and clove essential oils) and cinnamon essential oil was chosen to be incorporated in biodegradable films based on cassava starch because it was more efficient against Penicillium commune and Eurotium amstelodami. Antimicrobial activity of biodegradable films with cinnamon essential oil was evaluated by means of a halo diffusion test in which an inhibition zone around a sample of the biodegradable and active film was analysed. As alternative method of antimicrobial agent incorporation, carbon dioxide (CO2) in supercritical state was used as solvent. Promising results were obtained since the amount of antimicrobial agent incorporated inside the polymeric matrix was sufficient to inhibit proliferation of fungi. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 06/06816-9 - Development of biodegradable packaging based on cassava starch and natural antimicrobial agents |
| Grantee: | Ana Cristina de Souza |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |