• 07-09 October, 2021
  • Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Scientists create edible food films for packaging

According to news reports, an international group of scientists from India and Russia have collaborated to create innovative food films that are edible. The film can be used to package fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood. The film includes natural ingredients which makes it safe and environmentally friendly. Additionally, films are water-soluble and dissolve by almost 90% within 24 hours.

The scientists have created three types of food films based on the well-known naturally occurring seaweed biopolymer sodium alginate. It 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. One of the most significant advantage of Sodium Alginate is that acts as liquid-gel in an aqueous medium.

The film was made by cross-linking Alginate molecules 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.

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