Biodegradable Polymers Extracted from “Sargaço”: Film Properties and Application to Edible Coating

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Ana M.M. Sousa (Author) Other; Sandra Martins (Author) Other; Fabio D.S. Larotonda (Author) FEUP; Loic Hilliou (Author) FEUP; Maria P. Gonçalves (Author) FEUP; Alberto M. Sereno (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Materials Science Forum

Vol. 587-588

Pages: 548-552

ISSN: 0255-5476

Publisher: Trans Tech Publications Ltd

Indexing

Scopus

INSPEC

COMPENDEX

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

CORDIS: Physical sciences

Other information

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.587-588.548

Abstract (EN): “Sargaço” is the name given to a mixture of dead seaweeds collected on Portuguese beaches. “Sargaço” is composed of algae containing biopolymers such as carrageenan, alginate and agar which are extensively used in food and pharmaceutical industries as gelling and stabilizing agents. The objective of this work was the biopolymers extraction from “Sargaço”, collected at Leça da Palmeira-Portugal, for production of biodegradable films and subsequent application in edible coatings for food. A mixture of biopolymers was hot-extracted from alkali treated “Sargaço”. Films were made from an optimized extract, using the knife coating technique. Films physical properties were characterized and results show that biodegradable films from “Sargaço” are more hygroscopic, less elastic, more deformable, and more permeable to water than films obtained from a commercial alginate and a domestic κ/ ι-hybrid carrageenan developed during previous studies. As such, this mixture of biopolymers is an interesting cheap alternative to produce biodegradable materials and a potential application to fresh fruit preservation has been tested.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific