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Coating with chitosan-based edible films for mechanical/biological protection of strawberries

Year: 2020

Journal: Int. J. Biol. Macromol., Volume 151, MAY 15, page 1004–1011

Authors: Pavinatto, Adriana; de Almeida Mattos, Alexia Victoria; Granato Malpass, Ana Claudia; Okura, Monica Hitomi; Balogh, Debora Teresia; Sanfelice, Rafaela Cristina

Organizations: FAPESPFundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) [2017/19470-8]; CNPqConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPQ); CAPESCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)

Keywords: Chitosan; Drop-casting method; Thin films; Edible coatings; Bactericidal character

The present work reports the development of chitosan-based films for application as protective layer for natural foods such as fruits and vegetables. Chitosan is a biopolymer known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties that when combined with its biocompatibility and biodegradability can be widely applied in areas such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industry. In this work, thin films based on chitosan were obtained by the drop-casting method using glycerol to enhance elasticity and hydrophobic character. Such properties are desirable to form a protective layer that is not highly soluble in water. The results showed that the bactericidal character of chitosan against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria remains after plasticization. Strawberries coated with chitosan/glycerol 30% films (Chi/30%Gly) showed resistance against gray fungus attack and an insignificant alteration in their flavor, appearance, aroma and texture. In other words, the chitosan film protected the strawberry from fungi attack, showing its great potential as edible coating for fruits and vegetables. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.