Bioactive Pectin-Murta (Ugni molinae T.) Seed Extract Films Reinforced with Chitin Fibers

Abstract

This study investigated the biocomposite pectin films enriched with murta (Ugni molinae T.) seed polyphenolic extract and reinforced by chitin nanofiber. The structural, morphological, mechanical, barrier, colorimetric, and antioxidant activity of films were evaluated. The obtained data clearly demonstrated that the addition of murta seed extract and the high load of chitin nanofibers (50%) provided more cohesive and dense morphology of films and improved the mechanical resistance and water vapor barrier in comparison to the control pectin film. The antioxidant activity ranged between 71% and 86%, depending on the film formulation and concentration of chitin nanofibers. The presented results highlight the potential use of chitin nanofibers and murta seed extract in the pectin matrix to be applied in functional food coatings and packaging, as a sustainable solution.

Effect of Plasticizer Content on Mechanical and Water Vapor Permeability of Maize Starch/PVOH/Chitosan Composite Films

“…This increase in chain movement was also reflected in the results of the mechanical properties (Figure 5). The ability to reduce water vapor permeation presented by the materials obtained in this study was better than that reported for starch, pectin, and chitosan-zein films [16,37,38].…”

Evaluation of structural and functional properties of citrus pectin film enriched with green tea extract

“…22 However, the hydrogen bonding appeared to decrease after the GTE content reached 2%. Similar findings were reported in studies done by Cabrera-Barjas et al 23 This could be explained by the aggregation of the GTE when it exceeded 2% and the saturation of the binding sites, which resulted in the limitation of hydrogen bond formation between the GTE and the film polymeric matrix. 24 Similar results were reported by Biao et al when they tested the effect of different concentrations of tea polyphenols added to alginate polymeric films.…”

The role of nanochitin in biologically-active matrices for tissue engineering-where do we stand?

“…[71][72][73][74] On the other hand, CHNCs can improve the antibacterial activity of enzymes like lysozyme by acting as immobilization platforms, 75 and the antioxidant activity of immobilized phlorotannins. 76 Also, nanocomposites films based on chitosan, 77 carrageenan, 78 carboxymethyl cellulose, 79 methylcellulose, 80 cellulose nanofibers, 39,81 pectin, 82 nanolignin, 83 polyl-actic acid, 38,84 highly porous and spongy monolith cryogel of polyvinyl alcohol 85 and molybdenum disulfide quantum dots, 86 have been developed. Regarding antifungal activity, films have been developed using CHNFs alone, 87 in combination with chitosan 88 or by incubation in sodium hypochlorite solution.…”