Essential oil microencapsulation with biodegradable polymer for food packaging application

Author(s)

de Souza, Alana Gabrieli ; da Silva Barbosa, Rennan Felix ; Quispe, Yasmin Montero ; Rosa, Derval dos Santos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT; v. N/A, p. 9-pg., 2022-03-29.

Abstract

Reducing the amount of plastic packaging waste in the environment is a global challenge that has called for changes in polymer manufacturing. One alternative to minimize environmental and economic problems is the use of biodegradable polymers. In this work, biodegradable films of poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) incorporated with polylactic acid (PLA) capsules loaded with cinnamon essential oil (EO) (PBAT-C) were developed by casting aiming the development of food active films. Capsules were loaded with different oil contents, and films and capsules were evaluated by morphology, structure, thermal stability, oil release, water vapor permeability, and packaging performance with strawberries. The capsules showed a morphology dependency on the oil concentration with micrometric sizes and loading content reached 9.2%. The PBAT-C films showed high thermal stability, independent of the capsules or oil concentration. The PBAT-C release curves indicated a similar profile, and while PBAT-C-50 mu L showed a non-Fickian diffusion, the PBAT-C-100 mu L and PBAT-C-150 mu L showed a Fickian diffusion with a suitable behavior for active packaging. The water permeability indicated decreased WVP values from 2.5 up to 1.5 10(- 11) g.Pa- 1.s(- 1).m(- 1) due to the matrix discontinuity and increased hydrophobicity caused by PLA and EO. Strawberries packaged using the developed films showed a potential in the extension of fruits shelf life maintaining its quality without dehydration. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/13703-3 - Environmentally friendly porous materials for the recovery and revaluation of metals reclaimed from contaminated water
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants