Characterization and release kinetics model of thymol from starch‐based nanocomposite film into food simulator

Abstract

To improve the performance of potato starch films and solve the problems of high volatility and low stability of thymol (Thy), thymol was loaded into the channel of SBA-15 to prepare Thy-SBA-15, and the Thy-SBA-15/potato starch film was prepared.The results showed thymol was successfully loaded into the pores of SBA-15. The addition of Thy-SBA-15 enhanced the tensile strength of potato starch film (3.93 Mpa), reduced the water vapor permeability (1.56 × 10 −12 g•d −1 m −1 Pa −1 , WVP) and moisture absorption (80.97%, MA), which enhanced the barrier properties of the films. Thy-SBA-15 had good compatibility with potato starch films. Notably, the thymol released from Thy-SBA-15/potato starch film was initially explosive, and then continuous, which showed this film could effectively slow down the release rate of thymol and prolong the fresh-keeping period of food. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model) had the best fit for the release curve of thymol. Practical applicationsThis work offers a new method for the preparation of potato starch sustained-release antibacterial film, and provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the development of intelligent packaging.

Controlled release and antibacterial activity of corn starch-based films containing nanocellulose and thymol

“…A similar observation was found for potato starch film containing thymol encapsulated in mesoporous material (MCM-41) released in 50% ethanol food simulant (Cui et al 2023). Meanwhile, Cui et al (2022) revealed an explosive release of thymol loaded in mesoporous nano silica (SBA-15) from potato starch film into 50% ethanol for the first 3 h, thereafter slowly increased before reaching equilibrium. In general, the release of active compounds is influenced by the formulation of the polymeric system, swelling of the polymer, type of food simulant, and diffusion of the active compound into the food simulant.…”

“…Nonetheless, the antibacterial activity was only tested against Escherichia coli and the release kinetics of thymol from composite films has not yet been investigated. Only Cui et al (2021Cui et al ( , 2022Cui et al ( , 2023 studied the release of thymol and thyme essential oil from potato starch films in 10% and 50% ethanol as aqueous and alcoholic food simulants, but they utilized different sizes of mesoporous nano-silica to load the active compound. No work has been done to evaluate the release of thymol from corn starch films, particularly considering the effects of CNF on release rate.…”

Disordering of Starch Films as a Factor Influencing the Release Rate of Biologically Active Substances

“…Furthermore, biodegradable polymeric carrier materials are becoming increasingly common in pharmaceutics for designing capsules, films, aerogels, and emulsions to be administered through the oral, buccal, sublingual, ocular, and transdermal routes. The applicability of polymers for biomedical purposes is determined by the drug release kinetics [ 13 , 14 ], which largely depends on the physical properties of the polymeric matrix (particle shape and size, porosity, and swelling capacity) [ 15 ]. In terms of chemical properties, the drug release rate is expected to be related to the polymer structure; thus, linear and amorphous polymers are supposed to be dissolved and hydrolyzed faster than branched and crystalline ones [ 16 ].…”