Abstract
The development of starch films containing natural antioxidants is one alternative of active packaging. Starch is a well-studied natural biopolymer that can be used for the development of biodegradable films because it presents a low cost, is easy to obtain and presents good ability to form films. Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as hibiscus, roselle or red sorrel, is an annual herbaceous sub shrub that contains many types of biocompounds, including organic and phenolic acids. The aim of the present work was to determine the influence of electron beam irradiation on potato starch film containing hibiscus extract. The aqueous hibiscus solution was prepared by boiling for 3 min 1% w/ml dehydrated hibiscus flowers in 500 ml deionized water. The film forming solution was prepared by casting (5% potato starch, 3% glycerol as plasticizer and the hibiscus solution) and irradiated in a 1.5 MeV electron beam accelerator Dynamitron II (Radiation Dynamics Inc.), with doses of 0, 20, 40 and 60 kGy. After drying some mechanical properties were measured. The tensile strength of the control films and the irradiated ones was established. There were no significant differences among them. It looks like hibiscus antioxidants were able to prevent the expected starch radiation degradation process caused by radiation generated free radicals.
Highlights
Natural polymers constitute an actual alternative for diminishing the use of non-degradable and non-renewable materials in the packaging industry
In order to obtain active food packaging, biodegradable films have been added of functional additives, like antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, which may be migrated from the packaging to the food product so as to extend the shelf life of food and to improve its safety and quality properties [5]
A commercial potato starch and dehydrated hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flowers obtained at local market were employed
Summary
Natural polymers constitute an actual alternative for diminishing the use of non-degradable and non-renewable materials in the packaging industry. Several researchers have reported the good film forming properties of starches from a variety of botanical sources such as corn, wheat, cassava, rice, potato, and others [2,3]. Antioxidants are natural or synthetic substances used to retard deterioration, rancidity and discoloration resulting from the oxidation, and that can be used to help preserving food [6]. Natural antioxidants mainly polyphenols extracted from plants and fruits and vitamins [7,8] are preferred over synthetic ones to be used as food components [9]. The color of the hibiscus is mainly determined by the presence of anthocyanin, a flavonoid important among plant polyphenols, responsible for most of the blue, violet and all shades of red colors present in flowers [10]
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