Sutasinee Seetabhawang. Development of bacterial cellulosealginategelatin film for food preservative. Master's Degree(Chemical Engineering). Chulalongkorn University. Office of Academic Resources. : Chulalongkorn University, 2012.
Development of bacterial cellulosealginategelatin film for food preservative
Abstract:
In food packaging, composite films containing antimicrobial agents have attracted much interest because it could enhance food quality and prevent food from foodborne pathogens during storage. The application of biopolymer composites with natural antimicrobial properties for food packaging could be an efficient way for extending shelf life as well as increasing health and environmental safety. In this study, the bacterial cellulose (BC)-sodium alginate (A)-gelatin (G) or BAG composite films was fabricated by casting and curing at room temperature. Three compounds, glycerol, tannic acid and mangosteen ethanolic extract were added to improve the film properties. Glycerol as a plasticizer was added to improve the plasticity and prevent shrinkage of films after drying process. Tannic acid was used as an eco-friendly cross linking agent with anti-microbial properties. Mangosteen ethanolic extract was used as an antimicrobial agent. The modified films were characterized for physical, chemical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties. Based on physical and mechanical properties, the optimal composition of the BAG film was at the ratio of BC/A/G equal 60/20/20 (by weight). The optimal weight ratio of glycerol to gelatin solution was at 2:10. The BAG plasticized with glycerol (MBAG) has superior flexibility, elongation at break and chemical stability. The optimal weight ratio for tannic acid to gelatin solution was at 10 mg per gram gelatin solution. The film of MBAG containing tannic acid (MBAGT) has a denser packed sheet structure, resulting in reduced water absorption capacity and oxygen permeability. The addition of Tannic acid had positive effect on plasticizer properties of MBAGT films in wet state and helped to increase EB of the re-swollen films. The mangosteen ethanolic extract incorporated in the composite films provided the MBAGTM films with a smoother surface. The addition of the extract enhanced the thickness as well as the inter-space of the sheet layers of the films. The results of MIC showed that mangosteen ethanolic extracted and tannic acid could inhibit bacteria in food; Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus and the mangosteen ethanolic extract had higher antibacterial activities compared to tannic acid. The results revealed that the MBAGTM film has good potential to be used in food packaging.
Chulalongkorn University. Office of Academic Resources