PVA antioxidant nanocomposite films functionalized with alpha-tocopherol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

Abstract

Natural antioxidants can be incorporated into polymers to the production of active packaging, preventing the formation of off-flavors and undesirable textures in foods, increasing the foods shelf life. In this study was developed polymeric films based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) incorporated with 30, 50 and 70% of solid lipid nanoparticles entrapped α-tocopherol. PVA films were produced by the casting technique and characterized by their physicochemical, morphological, thermal and antioxidant characteristics. PVA films with nanoparticles demonstrated higher hydrophilic compared to the control film. Thermal analysis of the films showed that nanoparticles incorporation has changed the structure, decreasing the crystallinity. Moreover, films with solid lipid nanoparticles entrapped α-tocopherol demonstrated a higher antioxidant capacity, and the α-tocopherol controlled release confirmed the possibility of its use as active packaging to application in food conservation.