Attività

Edible Films Created for Food Packaging

An international group of scientists from India and Russia has created edible food transparent films for packaging fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat, and seafood. Films consist of natural ingredients, they are safe for

health and the environment. In addition, films are water-soluble and dissolve by almost 90% in 24 hours. Description of the research and results of

experiments are published in the Journal of Food Engineering."We have created three types of food super clear films based on the well-known naturally occurring

seaweed biopolymer sodium alginate," said Rammohan Aluru, senior researcher Organic synthesis laboratory at Ural Federal University and co-author of the

paper. "Its molecules have film-forming properties. Sodium alginate is an auspicious carbohydrate macromolecule that has the potential film-forming

properties upon hydrolysis and abundantly existed in cell walls as a mixture of various salts. The greatest advantage of sodium alginate is that it performs

as liquid-gel in an aqueous medium."

Alginate molecules were cross-linked with a natural antioxidant ferulic acid. It makes the film not only strong, but also homogeneous, more rigid, and

prolongs the life of the products.

"Food stays fresh longer due to the antioxidant components that slow down the oxidation processes," said Grigory Zyryanov, professor of the

Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry at Ural Federal University. "In addition, we can add to the films natural antiviral agents, which will

also extend the shelf life of food. Garlic, turmeric, and ginger contain compounds that may prevent the spread of the viruses."

According to the authors, no special equipment for the production of films is required. On an industrial scale, it can be created by food products and

films manufacturers.

"It can also be produced at a polymer production plant. The only condition is that it must meet the standards that apply to food production. And if

an inexhaustible source of algae the ocean is nearby it will be quite simple to create such films," said Grigory Zyryanov.