Sustained release and antioxidant activity of active potato starch packaging films encapsulating thymol with MCM-41

• Published in: Food science & technology 2023-01, Vol.173, p.114342, Article 114342
• Main Authors: Cui, Yingjun, Zhang, Rongfei, Cheng, Meng, Guo, Yanli, Wang, Xiangyou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Active packaging film; Antioxidant; Sustained release; Thymol
• ISSN: 0023-6438; 1096-1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.114342

The properties of potato starch film were improved by the addition of thymol (Thy) encapsulated in mesoporous nano-silica (MCM-41). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to evaluate the encapsulation rate of MCM-41. The effects of Thy-MCM-41 on the mechanical, physical, and antioxidant properties, and the sustained release behavior of the film were analyzed. The presence of Thy-MCM-41 contributed to the antioxidant and UV-blocking properties of the film. The properties of the film were optimized by the addition of Thy-MCM-41 (0.5 g/100 mL), resulting in an increase in the tensile strength (TS) of the film to 4.01 MPa, a decrease in the moisture absorption (MA) to 34.81%, and a decrease in the water vapor permeability (WVP) to 1.76 × 10−8 g m−1·h−1·pa−1. The films showed stronger antioxidant activity and faster thymol release rate in 50% ethanol extract. Additionally, the release rate of thymol declined with the increase of Thy-MCM-41, with obvious sustained release behavior. This study demonstrated that the active potato starch film showing sustained release had the potential for application in active packaging. •The addition of Thy-MCM-41 improved mechanical properties of potato starch film.•The Thy-MCM-41/potato starch film showed strong antioxidant activity.•Thymol had the highest release rate at 50% ethanol.•0.5% of Thy-MCM-41 made the film have the best properties.