Abstract
Edible insects have gained attention due to their impressive nutritional composition, as well as their efficient use of natural resources. However, a research gap remains on the applications of insect chitosan, especially as it relates to their potential use as food packaging material. Chitosan from two reared cricket species (Acheta domesticus and Gryllodes sigillatus) was evaluated for use as food packaging material. Cricket chitosan films (CCF) were structurally similar to commercial shrimp chitosan films (SCF) at controlled glycerol levels, as seen by shared spectral peaks in FT-IR analyses. Mechanical properties of CCF showed they had equal or greater tensile strength when compared to commercial SCF, although flexibility was lower. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased roughness of microstructure, likely increasing the tortuosity. As a result, CCF had improved water vapor permeability compared to commercial SCF. Melanin complexes present in cricket chitin and chitosan increased hydrophobicity and decreased light transmittance. This study also revealed that intrinsic species differences, which occur during insect and crustacean exoskeleton development, could have effects on the functionality of chitosan packaging materials. Overall, CCF were found to be as effective as commercial SCF, while providing additional advantages. CCF derived from reared crickets have good mechanical and barrier properties, and improved water resistance and light barrier characteristics. Edible cricket chitosan has the potential to be used as bio-based packaging material for food and pharmaceutical applications.
Highlights
Used in the food industry, petroleum-based food packaging has excellent mechanical and barrier properties to extend food quality and shelf life while providing safe food and convenience to consumers
Molecular characterization of Cricket chitosan films (CCF) (Figure 1) aligned well with spectra reported in previous chitosan-glycerol plasticized films characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) [18,24,25]
Overall, taking into consideration the research available on both insect and crustacean chitosan films plasticized with glycerol, CCF have similar mechanical properties to crustacean films. These findings suggest that CCF may produce packaging materials that are as strong as shrimp chitosan films (SCF), but may not be as flexible
Summary
Used in the food industry, petroleum-based food packaging has excellent mechanical and barrier properties to extend food quality and shelf life while providing safe food and convenience to consumers. These non-renewable plastics significantly contribute to the accumulation of waste. Research and production of bio-based packaging materials to replace traditional packaging materials remains a major focus of many studies. Government programs, such as BioPreferred® in the U.S, support and increase the use of bio-based products, including bio-based packaging materials, from renewable sources.
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