Development and characterization of a new potato starch/watermelon peel pectin composite film loaded with TiO2 nanoparticles and microencapsulated Lycium barbarum leaf flavonoids and its use in the Tan mutton packaging

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2023-12, Vol.252, p.126532-126532, Article 126532
• Main Authors: Xie, Qiwen, Liu, Xuexia, Zhang, Yuanlv, Liu, Guishan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bio-nanocomposite film; Bioactive preparation; Tan mutton preservation
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126532

Reinforced edible film with active nanoparticles has been in increasing demand as a new technology to improve the quality and extend the shelf-life of muscle foods. The study aimed to fabricate and characterize a novel potato starch (Pst)/watermelon peel pectin (Wpp) composite film with the microencapsulated Lycium barbarum leaf flavonoids (MLF) and nano-TiO2 (Pst/Wpp/MLF/TiO2) and further apply the film in Tan mutton preservation. The moisture content, thickness and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the composite film were relatively increased with increasing the percentage of MLF, while nano-TiO2 had slight influence on the thickness, but leaded to a significantly decreased the moisture content and WVP. Also, the SEM images showed that the roughness and porosity were created on the film surface by adding MLF and nano-TiO2. FTIR revealed electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions between the components in the film system. Meanwhile, MLF and nano-TiO2 effectively enhanced the mechanical strength, UV-barrier, controlled-release, thermal stability, antimicrobial and antioxidation properties of the Pst/Wpp film. Also, the composite film containing MLF and nano-TiO2 significantly inhibited the growth of microorganisms and chemical deterioration of mutton samples, which suggested that such film has potential as a prospective active packaging for preserving Tan mutton. •Lycium barbarum leaf flavone microcapsules (MLF) with multi-wall structure are developed as a new active nanoparticle.•Composite films based on potato starch/watermelon peel pectin/MLF/nano-TiO2 are prepared and characterized.•MLF and nano-TiO2 cooperate to enhance the multi-functional properties of the composite film such as biological properties.•Reinforced composite films with MLF and nano-TiO2 can improve quality of Tan mutton and extend its shelf-life.•Reinforced composite films with MLF and nano-TiO2 have the potential to be used as active packaging for meat preservation.