Study of the effect of the addition of plasticizers on the physical properties of biodegradable films based on kefiran for potential application as food packaging. (30th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montoille, Lissette; Morales Vicencio, Constanza; Fontalba, Daniel; Ortiz, J. Andrés; Moreno-Serna, Viviana; Peponi, Laura; Matiacevich, Silvia; Zapata, Paula A.
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 360(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-30
• Subjects: Biodegradable polymers -- Food packaging -- Kefiran -- Plasticizers; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129966
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: A branched exopolysaccharide was isolated from kefir by physical extraction. Kefiran plasticized films were prepared by loading 2 and 5% w/w of plasticizers. Kefiran solubility decreased with the incorporation of polyols as plasticizers. The addition of plasticizers improved the thermal stability of the kefiran. Type and concentration of plasticizer decreased the microhardness of the polymer. Abstract: Spectroscopies analysis indicated that kefiran contains branched hexasaccharide repeating units. Neat kefiran films, 2 and 5% w/w of glycerol, d -glucitol, d -galactitol, d -mannitol, and d -limonene were incorporated as plasticizers. Neat and plasticized kefiran films were characterized by physical, thermal, mechanical, optical, and water solubilization properties. Neat kefiran had a glass transition temperature (Tg ) of −20 ± 2 °C and, with the addition of plasticizers between −15 to −17 ± 2 °C. The values were close to the neat kefiran, and the results could be attributed to a lower amount of plasticizer used. The solubility of the glycerol plasticized films increases by 33% and decreased with the concentration of other plasticizers in comparison with the neat kefiran. d -glucitol and d -galactitol decreased the microhardness and Young's Modulus of films around 30% and 74% respectively, obtaining more flexible kefiran films. Kefiran based films could find applications as potential materials in the food-packaging industry.