Physicochemical properties of chitosan-based films incorporated with limonene

Author(s)

Ramos Barbosa, Mateus Henrique ; Goncalves, Sayeny de Avila ; Marangoni Junior, Luis ; Vercelino Alves, Rosa Maria ; Vieira, Ronierik Pioli

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATIO; v. 16, n. 3, p. 13-pg., 2022-02-08.

Abstract

Chitosan (CH) is an abundant and promising polysaccharide to produce biodegradable films due to its intrinsic properties, having its performance enhanced upon association with additives. In this context, limonene (LM), a terpene obtained from citrus peel oil, can be an excellent option for developing active food packaging. This study investigated the effect of the addition of LM at different concentrations (0.15%, 0.30%, and 0.45% w/w) on the structure, morphology, water vapor and light barrier, as well as mechanical, thermal, and antioxidant properties of chitosan films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction results suggest that LM presented satisfactory incorporation into the biopolymer matrix, promoting a decrease in CH crystallinity, especially at the highest concentration. With increased concentrations of LM, tensile strength decreased from 23.27 to 13.30 MPa and elongation at break from 43.37 to 34.73%. LM incorporation had no effect on CH films thermal stability and water solubility, as well as on the equilibrium moisture content, which was maintained for all samples in water activity ranging from 0 to 95%. We also identified a type III water sorption isotherm behavior for all samples, and the Guggenheim-Anderson-Boer model provided the best fit. Finally, samples showed barrier to water vapor, water vapor transmission rate from 546.5 to 372.31 g m(-2) day(-1), and to UV light. The results indicate that LM can be considered a promising additive for obtaining sustainable chitosan films for food preservation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/04043-2 - Food-packaging-process interaction: effect of emerging processing technologies and different food simulants on packaging properties
• Grantee: Luís Marangoni Júnior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/14837-3 - Development of active films of chitosan and limonene/poli(limonene)
• Grantee: Mateus Henrique Ramos Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation