Composite edible film mimicking cell wall based on arabinoxylan, β-glucan and nanocellulose: Microstructural, physico-chemical properties, and preservation effect

Abstract

To achieve sustainable environmental development, various biodegradable films have been designed to replace plastic films. The cell walls of the wheat bran aleurone layers primarily comprise alternately overlapping arabinoxylan (AX), β-glucan (BG) and small quantities of cellulose and ferulic acid. The differences in their composition can affect their mechanical strength and hydration. Therefore, multilayer films of AX, BG, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), and free ferulic acid were prepared to simulate the cell walls of wheat aleurone layers, and the effect of different CNF contents on cell walls characteristics was investigated. The microstructure, physical properties, and hydration characteristics of multilayer films were studied using scanning electron microscopy, time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis. The AX/BG/8%CNF multilayer films possessed excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties along with slow moisture diffusion and flowability. When the CNF content within the films was 8%, the polymer composite structure hindered the diffusion of moisture. Inspired by the biological effects of wheat grain cell walls, cellulose multilayer films were used for blueberries preservation, and the decay rate, weight loss index, and respiration rate of blueberries were found to decrease significantly.