Pectin-Based Films Loaded with Hydroponic Nopal Mucilages: Development and Physicochemical Characterization

Brenda Luna-Sosa,Lorenzo M Pastrana,Romeo Rojas,Miguel A Cerqueira,Ana G Azevedo,Humberto Rodríguez-Fuentes,Guillermo C.G Martínez-Ávila

doi:10.3390/coatings10050467

Brenda Luna-Sosa, Lorenzo M Pastrana + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings10050467

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Abstract

Nopal is a potential source of mucilage that can be used in different food applications. One of its potential use is the development of films and coatings where it can act as a packaging material but also as a source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this work aimed to develop and characterize pectin-based films loaded with mucilage extracted from two species of nopal, Copena F1 (Cop) and Villanueva (Vi). The obtained mucilages were denominated as materials without fibre (Copwtf and Viwtf) and with fibre (Copwf and Viwf), according to the fibre’s size. Films were produced with pectin (2% w/v), mucilage (2.5% w/v) and glycerol (0.5% w/v) by the casting method. The addition of mucilages was shown to influence the visual appearance, optical properties and morphology of the films. The presence of mucilage also changed the moisture content, water contact angle and water vapour permeability of the films. The pectin-based films without mucilage presented the best mechanical properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed similar signals in terms of frequency and intensity, for all the films, not showing any chemical modification. Results show that the mucilage obtained from different nopal fractions can be used in pectin-based films foreseeing their use as films or coatings in food applications.

Highlights

Films and coatings industries have generated a remarkable growth in recent years, in the preservation of perishable food products
The fibres are visible in films with Copena F1 and Villanueva with fibre (Figure 1C,E), while for films using are visible in films with Copena F1 and Villanueva with fibre (Figure 1C,E), while for films using mucilage without fibre is only visible a colour variation (Figure 1A,D)
Results showed that mucilage without fibres were successfully produced by the casting method

Summary

Introduction

Films and coatings industries have generated a remarkable growth in recent years, in the preservation of perishable food products. There are already several studies about films and coatings produced by bio-based polymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins and lipids, where they have been used on the preservation of food products The performance of these films and coatings is directly influenced by chemical characteristics, production method, concentration and environmental conditions in which it is produced [6]. Another of the challenges is to use bio-based and biodegradable polymers obtained from subproducts and/or agricultural waste, in order to reduce food waste and make agriculture more sustainable. In Mexico, some studies were carried out using nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), subproducts generated by the plant, as a source of bioactive compounds for food and nutrition [7]

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