Synthesis, characterization, and in-vivo application of non-thermal plasma-modified talipot starch-Aloe vera gel biocomposite films for enhancing the shelf life of guava fruits

Abstract

Modification of talipot starch by non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment and addition of Aloe vera (AV) gel enhanced the crosslinking of filmogenic solution and improved biofilm properties. Both, NTP-modified talipot starch film (MTSF) and AV gel-incorporated modified talipot starch film (AV-MTSF) showed surface protuberances and roughness compared to native talipot starch film (NTSF) and AV gel-incorporated talipot starch film (AV-NTSF). The incorporation of AV gel increased the relative crystallinity and also altered the moisture content, thickness, and opacity of the films. AV-NTSF and AV-MTSF showed decreased water vapor and oxygen permeability, solubility, and elongation at break, and increased tensile strength compared to NTSF and MTSF. Furthermore, AV gel-incorporated films with comparatively good barrier properties showed enhanced control over the increase in pH and total soluble solids, reduced weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid upon in-vivo guava coating application, which induced protectiveness against the desiccation and deterioration of guava fruits.