Combining Chitosan Nanoparticles and Garlic Essential Oil as Additive Fillers to Produce Pectin-Based Nanocomposite Edible Films

Abstract

Edible films were produced by combining a pectin (PEC) matrix with chitosan nanopar-ticle (CSNP), polysorbate 80 (T80), and garlic essential oil (GEO) as an antimicrobial agent. CSNPs were analyzed for their size and stability, and the films, throughout their contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical and thermal properties, water vapor transmission rate, and antimicrobial activity. Four filming-forming suspensions were investigated: PGEO (control); PGEO@T80; PGEO@CSNP; PGEO@T80@CSNP. The compositions are included in the methodology. The average particle size was 317 nm, with the zeta potential reaching +21.4 mV, which indicated colloidal stability. The contact angle of the films exhibited values of 65°, 43°, 78°, and 64°, respec-tively. These values showed films with variations in hydrophilicity. In antimicrobial tests, the films containing GEO showed inhibition only by contact for S. aureus. For E. coli, the inhibition occurred in films containing CSNP and by direct contact in the culture. The results indicate a promising al-ternative for designing stable antimicrobial nanoparticles for application in novel food packaging. Although, it still shows some deficiencies in the mechanical properties, as demonstrated in the elongation data.

Strengthening eco-friendly packaging from pectin by filling with poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles and tailoring the degree of methyl-esterification

“…The tensile strength of the HMD/PCLNP produced in this work exceeded that of pectin films reinforced with nanoparticles reported in previous studies. For example, HMD/AgNPs (25 MPa), 58 HMD/CNC/ZnNPs (13 MPa), 59 or HMD/garlic essential oil nanoemulsion 60 (30 MPa) pectin films reached values lower than 72.5 MPa of HMD/PCLNP produced in this work. Similarly, LMD/PCLNP (74 MPa) exhibited higher tensile strength compared to LMD pectin films incorporated with chitosan (58 MPa) 51 or cooper/betanin pigment 61 (7.49 MPa).…”

Physicochemical Characterisation of Polysaccharide Films with Embedded Bioactive Substances

“…However, in recent times, these edible packaging systems have undergone remarkable advancements, due to the need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Modern innovations have revolutionised edible films and coatings [1][2][3][4]. These biopolymeric packaging materials are designed to emulate the properties and functionalities of traditional packaging materials like plastic films and coatings [5][6][7][8].…”