Obtention and characterization of chitosan/starch/roselle films for the preservation of perishable fruits

Abstract

Packaging is the main source of polluting plastic waste. Out of the total volume of plastic waste worldwide, the majority corresponds to food packaging. Biodegradable films have been used in a large number of applications across industrial sectors due to their property  versatility and environmental factors. There is a growing interest in the search for packaging materials from renewable sources that prove to be functional for food preservation. Among the polymers used, starch has garnered the most attention due to its abundance in nature and biodegradable quality; it is also renewable and low-cost. A methodology was established to increase the shelf life of perishable fruits (blackberry) from 7 to 14 days by adding starch, chitosan, and roselle extract. These biopolymers synergistically contribute by providing support, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, respectively. The use of chitosan and roselle extract were key to the achievement of this work’s goals, as proven by FT-IR, TGA, SEM, contact angle, and microbiological analyses. The present work focuses on the use of three elements that have not been studied together in biofilm design to preserve fruits.