UV-light Barrier Properties Research Articles

Physical, Barrier, Mechanical, and Biodegradability Properties of Modified Starch Films with Nut By-Products Extracts.

Starch-based films with phenolic extracts could replace the use of petroleum-based plastics. In this study, octenyl succinate starch (OSS) films with pecan nutshell extract (PSE) or hazelnut skin extract (HSE) were prepared. The water resistance, as well as the optical, physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of these films, were investigated. The PSE and HSE improved the water resistance (decreasing the solubility to 17% and increasing the contact angle to 96.80°) and UV-light barrier properties of the films. For PSE and HSE, as their concentrations increased, the film rigidity decreased since these extracts acted as plasticizers. Micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted a homogeneous surface as a result of extracts dispersion through the polymeric matrix and the interactions between the phenolic compounds (PC) of the extracts and the OSS. The phenolic extracts from nut by-products and octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch could be used to develop films to replace the conventional plastics.

Regenerated cellulose films combined with glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol: Effect of moisture content on the physical properties

Regenerated cellulose-based films combined with glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) show interesting UV-light barrier properties, with potential application in food packaging to prevent oxidative deterioration. However, these materials are sensitive to moisture, and their properties could be modified as a function of the relative humidity. Hence, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the changes in the main properties of regenerated cellulose-glycerol-PVOH films depending on the relative humidity. Using the GAB adsorption isotherms, the moisture content was related with the water activity of the films at several relative humidity conditions. According to the obtained results, water molecules manifested a plasticizing effect modifying the mechanical, water vapour permeability and optical properties of the developed films. Tensile strength and Young's modulus values ranged from 92.65 to 17.57 MPa and from 3639.09 to 227.89 MPa, respectively. Both of them decreased when the moisture content increased. The mechanical resistance to deformation of films enhanced at high moisture content, changing from 5.88 to 15.97% and from 0.59 to 2.97 mm in the tensile and puncture test, respectively. This effect was also observed for the burst strength. Water vapour permeability increased from 5.15·10−10 to 5.44·10−9 g/ms Pa when the moisture content increased, being more significative at higher values. No significant variations were observed in the UV-VIS transmittance at different moisture contents. The obtained results allow expanding the knowledge of the behavior of films based on regenerated cellulose.

Comparison of the structural, physical and functional properties of κ-carrageenan films incorporated with pomegranate flesh and peel extracts

In this study, active and intelligent packaging films were developed by incorporating polypheol-rich pomegranate flesh extract (PFE) or pomegranate peel extract (PPE) into κ-carrageenan matrix. The structural, physical, pH-sensitive, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of κ-carrageenan-PFE and κ-carrageenan-PPE films were compared for the first time. Results showed PFE was composed of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (49.76%), peonidin-3-O-(6-malon)-glucoside (9.61%), malvidin-3-O-(6-acetyl)-glucoside (14.89%), pelargonidin-3-O- (6″-ethylmalonyl)-glucoside (7.05%), pelargonidin-3-O-(6-acetyl)-glucoside (9.51%) and isorhamnetin (9.18%). PPE was mainly composed of gallic acid (15.73%), malvidin-3-O-(6-acetyl)-glucoside (4.07%), epicatechin gallate (3.66%), luteolin (5.69%), vanillic acid (7.82%), caffeic acid (4.37%), punicalagin (39.96%) and ellagic acid (18.70%). The tensile strength, water vapor and UV light barrier ability of κ-carrageenan film were significantly promoted by the incorporation of PFE or PPE. Due to different polyphenolic compositions, κ-carrageenan-PPE films possessed higher UV light barrier, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties than κ-carrageenan-PFE films at the same extract incorporation levels. Nonetheless, κ-carrageenan-PFE films exhibited pH-sensitive property because of abundant anthocyanins in PFE. Notably, the physical and functional properties of κ-carrageenan-PFE and κ-carrageenan-PPE films were closely related to the content of extract. Our results suggested κ-carrageenan-PFE films could be further used as active and intelligent packaging, whereas κ-carrageenan-PPE films could be explored as active packaging in food industry.

Intelligent and active composite films based on furcellaran: Structural characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Abstract Intelligent and active films were prepared using furcellaran (FUR). The FUR films were modified with various antibacterial material including natural extracts from green tea (GTE) and yerba mate (YM) and synthetized selenium (SeNPs) and zinc oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles. The bionanocomposite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM, TGA and UV–vis spectroscopy. The structural characteristics confirmed successfully formation of FUR films in the presence of tea extracts and NPs. SEM analysis showed smooth and compact surface morphology for FUR, YM and GTE films. Structure of composite films with NPs becomes less homogeneous, with some aggregations or agglomerates of NPs. The addition of both NPs into the films increases their thermal stability, while the incorporation of ZnONPs and YM increased UV-light barrier properties. Films presented different physical properties depending on the composition of the active compounds. The addition of ZnONPs caused the reduction in solubility of prepared films. On the other side, FUR films with the tea extracts show great antioxidant activity based on the ABTS test (inhibition of 37.3% for YM films and of 67.6% for GTE films). However, the FUR films with SeNPs had the highest antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, MRSA and E.coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 21.8 mm, 26.6 mm and 26.7 mm, respectively. The carp spoilage test was done to evaluate possible application of the films as intelligent packages, and color change indicated the film could be used as a sensor in the food industry. The results indicate that composite films based on FUR can be used as smart packaging showing good antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for food packaging applications.

In situ synthesis of multi-functional gelatin/resorcinol/silver nanoparticles composite films

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were synthesized in situ by reducing AgNO3 using resorcinol and gelatin to prepare functional gelatin/resorcinol/AgNP nanocomposite films (Gel/Res/AgNP). The nanocomposite film exhibited a characteristic light absorption peak of AgNP at 420 nm and improved UV-light barrier property. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results also showed a characteristic reflection peak of crystalline AgNP around 2θ = 38° corresponding to the (111) diffraction plane of AgNP. The water vapor permeability (WVP), water contact angle (WCA), surface morphology and thermal stability of the composite films were not affected, but the tensile strength (TS) of the composite film decreased and the elongation at break (E) increased by the formation of AgNP. The Gel/Res/AgNP nanocomposite film showed a strong antioxidant property with high DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity. Also, the Gel/Res/AgNP nanocomposite films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The developed Gel/Res/AgNP composite films with potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities have a high potential to be used in food packaging to increase the shelf life of packaged food.

Characterization of bacterial cellulose films combined with chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol: Evaluation of mechanical and barrier properties

Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Komagataeibacter xylinus is a biomaterial with a unique three-dimensional structure. To improve the mechanical properties and reinforce the BC films, they were immersed in polyvinyl alcohol (0–4%) and chitosan (0–1%) baths. Moisture content, mechanical properties and water vapour permeability were measured to assess the effect of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan. The morphology, optical, structural and thermal properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, spectral analysis, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Results showed that moisture content was significantly affected by the chitosan presence. Tensile strength values in the 20.76–41.65 MPa range were similar to those of synthetic polymer films. Percentage of elongation ranged from 2.28 to 21.82% and Young's modulus ranged from 1043.88 to 2247.82 MPa. The water vapour permeability (1.47 × 10−11–3.40 × 10−11 g/m s Pa) decreased with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol. The developed films own UV light barrier properties and optimal visual appearance.

Melanin-Mediated Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Preparation of Functional Agar/CuO NP Nanocomposite Films

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) were prepared using melanin as a stabilizing agent, and the CuO NP was used to prepare functional agar/CuO NP nanocomposite films using a solution casting method. The CuO NP was roughly spherical and was stable in aqueous solution. The CuO NP was homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix to form agar/CuO NP composite films. Incorporation of CuO NP increased the UV light barrier property with a little sacrifice of the film transparency. The mechanical properties of the films did not change significantly by the addition of CuO NP. Incorporation of CuO NP reduced the water barrier property, while increasing the surface hydrophobicity of the nanocomposite films. The agar/CuO NP nanocomposite films exhibited potent antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens, E. coli and L. monocytogenes.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant and physicochemical properties of Poly(Vinyl chloride) films containing quercetin and silver nanoparticles

This work provides details regarding the physicochemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)-based films containing 0.4% quercetin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at various concentrations levels. The incorporation of quercetin and AgNPs into the PVC matrix considerably affected the thermal, mechanical and optical properties of the films. Results obtained from the tensile stresgth test, demonstrated an improvement in the mechanical strength of the films after the incorporation of both quercetin and AgNPs. Moreover, an increase in AgNPs concentration increased the rigidity, as compared to control PVC film. Antimicrobial activity against food pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes) was evaluated by an antimicrobial barrier test. Results showed that the PVC-based films with quercetin and AgNPs proved to be highly effective to inhibiting bacterial growth. Therefore, these results indicate promising evidence to possibly aid in the prevention of microbial dissemination in foods. Additionally, films incorporated with quercetin and AgNPs expressed an antioxidant capacity when evaluated via the DPPH method. Among all of the films evaluated, the PVC-based films containing 0.4% quercetin and 1% AgNPs were flexible, exhibiting excellent UV-light barrier properties and for use with fatty foods, with the intent of reducing lipid oxidation and preventing food pathogen dissemination.

Preparation of antibacterial poly(lactide)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) composite films incorporated with grapefruit seed extract

Antimicrobial poly(lactide) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend films incorporated with grapefruit seed extract (GSE) were prepared using a solvent casting method. Effect of GSE on the morphological, water vapor barrier, thermostability, color, optical, and antimicrobial properties of PLA/PBAT composite films was investigated. The composite films showed a yellowish tint after incorporation of GSE and exhibited a high UV-light barrier property. Incorporation of GSE increased the flexibility and tensile strength of the composite films. Films incorporated with 7 wt% of GSE exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, but they showed only bacteriostatic activity against Escherichia coli. The PLA/PBAT-GSE composite film with UV-light barrier and antibacterial properties has a high potential for an active food packaging application.

Incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles improved the mechanical, water vapor barrier, UV-light barrier, and antibacterial properties of PLA-based nanocomposite films

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using zinc chloride and NaOH and they were incorporated to prepare PLA/ZnO NPs composite films. The SEM images showed that the ZnO NPs were cubical in shape with size ranged from 50 to 100 nm, and the PLA/ZnO NPs composite films were smooth and compact. The composite films exhibited strong UV-light barrier property with a slight decrease in the transparency. The thickness, tensile strength, and water vapor barrier property of the films increased significantly after incorporation of ZnO NPs. The TS of PLA films increased by 37.5%, but the WVP decreased by 30.5% from 3.11 × 10−11 to 2.16 × 10−11 g m/m2·Pa·s when 0.5 wt% of ZnO NPs was incorporated. The composite films exhibited potent antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The developed films were applied to the packaging of a minced fish paste and showed strong antibacterial function. The prepared composite films could be used as antibacterial and UV-light barrier films for food packaging and biomedical applications.

Alginate-based nanocomposite films reinforced with halloysite nanotubes functionalized by alkali treatment and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Functionalized halloysite nanotubes were prepared by surface activation of halloysite (Hal) with sodium hydroxide and deposition of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP). The surface charge of Hal was changed from 0.18 ± 0.6 mV to −35.2 ± 2.8 mV after alkali treatment. The functionalized Hal (AT-Hal/ZnONP) was incorporated into alginate biopolymer as a reinforcing filler with different concentration of AT-Hal/ZnONP (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt% of alginate). Alginate films with AT-Hal/ZnONP exhibited a significant increase in the mechanical, water vapor barrier, and UV light barrier properties. The thermal stability of composite films has not changed after AT-Hal/ZnONP incorporation. The AT-Hal/ZnONP incorporated alginate films demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The nanocomposite film with 7 wt% of AT-Hal/ZnONP exhibited complete sterilization of E. coli and L. monocytogenes after 3 and 9 h of treatment, respectively.

بررسی اثر افزودن نانو رس بر خواص فیلم دولایه آگار/ ژلاتین ماهی حاوی نانو ذرات دیاکسید تیتانیوم

فیلم دولایه آگار/ژلاتین حاوی نانو ذرات دی‌اکسید تیتانیوم (TiO2) (2 درصد وزنی- وزنی) و نانو رس (با غلظت‌های 3، 5، 10 درصد وزنی- وزنی)، به‌وسیله ترکیب در بستر فیلم ژلاتین به روش قالب‌ریزی و طی 2 مرحله تولید شد و ویژگی‌های ساختاری، فیزیکی، مکانیکی و نوری فیلم تولیدی موردمطالعه قرار گرفت. نتایج نشان داد که اضافه کردن 2 درصد TiO2 به فیلم دولایه باعث کاهش بیش از 15 درصدی نفوذپذیری نسبت به بخار در فیلم‌ دولایه می‌شود. همچنین، نرخ جذب آب و میزان رطوبت با اضافه کردن 2 درصد TiO2 افزایش پیدا کرد. استفاده از نانو ذرات TiO2 به‌طور قابل‌توجهی خاصیت نفوذپذیری فیلم دولایه را در برابر نور UV بهبود بخشید به‌طوری‌که با افزودن 2 درصد وزنی- وزنی TiO2 خاصیت نفوذپذیری نور نسبت به فیلم آگار/ ژلاتین کاهش و کدورت فیلم تولیدی افزایش یافت. از طرفی، نتایج نشان داد که افزودن 3 درصد نانورس (وزنی- وزنی) به فیلم آگار/ ژلاتین حاوی 2 درصد TiO2 (وزنی- وزنی) حلالیت و مقاومت کششی فیلم تولیدی به‌ترتیب از 41/31 درصد و 55/11 مگاپاسکال به 24/33 درصد و 43/18 مگاپاسکال افزایش یافت. افزودن غلظت‌های 5 و 10 درصد (وزنی- وزنی) نانو رس باعث کاهش حلالیت فیلم‌های تولیدی از 41/31 درصد برای فیلم آگار/ ژلاتین شاهد به 09/26 و 49/21 درصد شد. همچنین، افزودن غلظت‌های مختلف نانو رس به فیلم دولایه حاوی 2% TiO2 باعث کاهش معنی‌دار عبور نور، شاخص سفیدی، جذب آب و کدورت در فیلم‌های تولیدی به‌ویژه در غلظت 10% شد. نتایج حاصل نشان داد که استفاده از غلظت 5 درصد نانو رس در فیلم آگار/ ژلاتین حاوی2 درصد TiO2 خواص فیزیکی، مکانیکی و نوری (با در نظر گرفتن کدورت) بهتری در مقایسه با سایر تیمارها داشت.

Preparation of poly(lactide)/lignin/silver nanoparticles composite films with UV light barrier and antibacterial properties

Organosolv lignin was used as a reducing agent for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their incorporation into poly(lactide) (PLA) polymer to prepare composite films. The composite films were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The optical, mechanical, water vapor barrier, and antibacterial properties of the composite films were evaluated. The UV–vis spectra of films exhibited two characteristics peaks around 300 and 450nm attributed to lignin and AgNPs, respectively. XRD results indicated that the crystalline AgNPs had been formed. The transmission of light at 280nm decreased significantly after incorporation of lignin and AgNPs. FTIR results showed that there was no change in the chemical structure of PLA after incorporation of lignin and AgNPs. The mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of the composite films increased after lignin and AgNPs incorporation, The films containing AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

Development of Antimicrobial Gelatin-Based Edible Films by Incorporation of Trans-Anethole/β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex

Antimicrobial activity is an attractive property for packaging materials which can extend the shelf life of products and provide microbial safety for consumers. The study aimed to analyze the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of gelatin-based edible films containing trans-anethole as the active additive. Encapsulation with β-cyclodextrin was used as an effective way to introduce trans-anethole into gelatin matrix. The results showed that the trans-anethole/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex could be evenly dispersed in the gelatin-based edible films with appropriate addition. The incorporation of trans-anethole conferred the edible films with good antimicrobial activity as expected, which increased with the content of trans-anethole increasing. Moreover, the addition of inclusion complex improved the tensile strength and surface hydrophobicity and reduced the moisture content of the edible films. It was interesting that the edible films presented great UV light barrier property and it was increased by the addition of inclusion complex. Overall, the antimicrobial gelatin-based edible films showed great potential as bioactive packaging materials to extend food shelf life.

Physical, mechanical and antioxidant properties of chitosan films grafted with different hydroxybenzoic acids

Five kinds of hydroxybenzoic acids including gallic acid (GLA), gentisic acid (GTA), protocatechuic acid (PA), syringic acid (SA) and vanillic acid (VA) were grafted onto chitosan (CS) through carbodiimide mediated coupling reaction. The obtained CS derivatives were further developed into films by casting. The physical, mechanical and antioxidant properties of hydroxybenzoic acid-g-CS films were compared for the first time. The grafting ratios of hydroxybenzoic acid-g-CSs varied from 34.9 to 111.0 mg/g. Structural characterization showed both amide and ester linkages were formed between CS and hydroxybenzoic acids with decreased crystallinity. The thicknesses of CS and hydroxybenzoic acid-g-CS films were similar (0.028–0.031 mm). The grafting of GLA and PA onto CS significantly decreased the whiteness but increased redness and yellowness of film. Hydroxybenzoic acid-g-CS films exhibited better UV light and moisture barrier properties as compared with CS film. Most hydroxybenzoic acid-g-CS films showed higher tensile strength and elongation at break than CS film. The surface morphology of CS film became rough after grafting with hydroxybenzoic acid. Antioxidant activity assays showed hydroxybenzoic acid-g-CS films had higher DPPH scavenging activity than CS film. As compared to CS and other hydroxybenzoic acid-g-CS films, GLA-g-CS film possessed the highest UV light and moisture barrier, mechanical and antioxidant properties.

Preparation and characterization of agar/lignin/silver nanoparticles composite films with ultraviolet light barrier and antibacterial properties

Lignin was used to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and they were incorporated into agar-based films. The composite films were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, FE-SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The color, mechanical, water vapor barrier, and antibacterial properties of the composite films were also evaluated. The composite films exhibited characteristic light absorption peaks at 250–300 nm and 430 nm due to the lignin and AgNPs, respectively. The interaction of lignin and AgNPs with agar biopolymer was analyzed using FTIR. XRD results showed the characteristic peaks of crystalline AgNPs. Incorporation of lignin and AgNPs increased the mechanical, UV-light barrier, and water vapor barrier properties of the composite films. The loading of 1 wt% of AgNPs was the optimum concentration to improve the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of the films. The films containing AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

Chitosan and gelatin based biodegradable packaging films with UV-light protection

Biopolymers are polymers obtained from biological origins and used for various biological and industrial applications. A biopolymer should be non-toxic, non-antigenic, non-irritant, non-carcinogenic, sterilisable and adequately available for their widespread applications. In this study, chitosan (CS) and gelatin (GL) based films were prepared to be used as biodegradable packaging films. CS was blended with GL to improve various physicochemical properties. The blended CSGL films were crosslinked with boric acid (BA) to improve various properties viz. light barrier properties, Water Vapour Permeability (WVP), moisture content (%), Total Solubility Matter (TSM), most important to improve the strength. The studies of transparency, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy confirms that the synthesized films were found to be transparent and homogenous indicating good compatibility among different components. The synthesized CS and GL based films showed UV-light barrier properties as supported by data. The tensile strength of films increases, decreases water solubility, moisture content (%) and WVP on crosslinking. In order to make the crosslinked films more flexible, Polyethylene glycol was used as plasticizer, making the films more flexible and transparent. This study indicates that these biodegradable CS and GL based films are potent to be used as packing films.

Preparation of pectin/silver nanoparticles composite films with UV-light barrier and properties

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was synthesized by a green method using an aqueous extract of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lamk (CMLE) as reducing and stabilizing agents, and they were used for the preparation of pectin-based antimicrobial composite films. The AgNPs were spherical in shape with the size in the range of 20⿿80nm and showed the absorption peak around 500nm. The pectin/AgNPs composite film exhibited characteristic absorption peak of AgNPs at 480nm. The surface color and light transmittance of the pectin films were greatly influenced by the addition of AgNPs. The lightness of the films decreased, however, redness and yellowness of the films increased after incorporation of AgNPs. UV-light barrier property of the pectin film increased significantly with a little decrease in the transparency. Though there were no structural changes in the pectin film by the incorporation of CMLE and AgNPs as indicated by the FTIR results, the film properties such as thermal stability, mechanical strength, and water vapor barrier properties of the pectin films increased. The pectin/AgNPs nanocomposite films exhibited strong antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

Effect of lignin on water vapor barrier, mechanical, and structural properties of agar/lignin composite films

Biodegradable composite films were prepared using two renewable resources based biopolymers, agar and lignin alkali. The lignin was used as a reinforcing material and agar as a biopolymer matrix. The effect of lignin concentration (1, 3, 5, and 10wt%) on the performance of the composite films was studied. In addition, the mechanical, water vapor barrier, UV light barrier properties, FE-SEM, and TGA of the films were analyzed. The agar/lignin films exhibited higher mechanical and UV barrier properties along with lower water vapor permeability compared to the neat agar film. The FTIR and SEM results showed the compatibility of lignin with agar polymer. The swelling ratio and moisture content of agar/lignin composite films were decreased with increase in lignin content. The thermostability and char content of agar/lignin composite films increased with increased lignin content. The results suggested that agar/lignin films have a potential to be used as a UV barrier food packaging material for maintaining food safety and extending the shelf-life of the packaged food.

Development and characterization of dialdehyde xanthan gum crosslinked gelatin based edible films incorporated with amino-functionalized montmorillonite

The amino-functionalized montmorillonite (NH2-MMT) with different amino content is successfully prepared by adjusting the solvents proportion of anhydrous ethanol and toluene. Then NH2-MMT is incorporated into gelatin to prepare composite edible films using dialdehyde xanthan gum (DXG) as the crosslinking agent. The XRD studies indicate that the amino-functionalization is beneficial for MMT to disperse and exfoliate in gelatin matrix and the incorporation of NH2-MMT can induce gelatin molecules to renature into triple-helix structure. The amino-functionalization of MMT provides active sites for the crosslinking by Schiff's base reaction to produce compact networks among gelatin, NH2-MMT and DXG. Moreover, the increase of amino content of NH2-MMT consequentially improves the crosslinking density of the composite films. Hence, the UV light barrier property, water resistance, mechanical property and thermal stability of the composite films are improved with the addition of NH2-MMT and increase along with the increase of amino content of NH2-MMT. The study demonstrates that NH2-MMT is an ideal filler for gelatin based composite edible films.