Biodegradable Polymers Extracted from "Sargaco": Film Properties and Application to Edible Coating

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2008

Authors

Sousa, A (Author) Other; Martins, S (Author) Other; Larotonda, FDS (Author) Other; L. Hilliou (Author) REIT; Maria do Pilar Gonçalves (Author) FEUP; A. M. Sereno (Author) FEUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: ADVANCED MATERIALS FORUM IV

Pages: 548-552

13th Conference of the Sociedade-Portuguesa-de-Materiais/4th International Materials Symposium

Oporto, PORTUGAL, APR 01-04, 2007

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-28S

Abstract (EN): "Sargaco" is the name given to a mixture of dead seaweeds collected on Portuguese beaches. "Sargaco" 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 "Sargaco", collected at Leca da Palmeira-Portugal. for production of biodebradable films and subsequent application in edible coatings for food. A mixture of biopolymers was hot-extracted from alkali treated "Sargaco". Films were made from an optimized extract, using the knife coating technique. Films physical properties were characterized and results show that biodegradable films from "Sargaco" are. more hygroscopic, less elastic, more deformable, and more permeable to water than films obtained from a commercial alginate and a domestic k/t-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

No. of pages: 5