Development and physicochemical properties of extract of Morinda citrifolia Linn/pectin-based membranes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and kinetic analyses of mem- branes obtained through the dispersion of pectin PEC (2 %), with or without the extract of Morinda citrifolia Linn EMC2.5 and 5.0 % in distilled water, and adding plasticizer propylene glycol (20 %). The thickness of the membranes was significantly different, and at SEM images of PEC2.5 %, they showed a more compact structure compared with other membranes. PEC5.0 % membrane showed the best values of mechanical properties. The DSC curve of EMC showed two endothermic events, and the DSC curves of the membranes presented two endothermic events and two exothermic events with profiles similar to PEC, PEC2.5 and PEC5.0 % membranes. A kinetic study was performed with thermogravimetry using the Ozawa method and non-Arrhenius methods. The kinetic parame- ters showed that the PEC and PEC5.0 % present a similar thermal stability. Thus, the Morinda citrifolia extract influences a more organized membrane structure, and the PEC-EMC2.5 % has the best characteristics for the development of a membrane with healing effect.