Formulation and Characterization of Film Based on Gum Exudates from Brea Tree (Cercidium praecox)

In the present study, films and coatings for food applications based on a gum exudate from Brea tree (Cercidium praecox) were formulated and the influence of plasticizer content on their functional properties was evaluated. Brea gum is a renewable resource available in semi-desert areas, extracted by native people. Films were produced by casting method and characterized through water vapour permeability, mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break), morphological and optical properties. Glycerol was used as plasticizer. Brea gum films presented good visual aspect, transparency and amber colour. Microscopic observation showed a dense and homogeneous structure. Film wettability increased with glycerol content due to hydrophilic nature of the plasticizer. Solubility of films in water increased with temperature. Water sorption isotherms of films at 25 °C showed that at high aw (above 0.50), the film matrix swells altering its structure and properties. Water vapour permeability remained practically constant up to 20% of glycerol content and then increases linearly with the plasticizer. The addition of glycerol decreased the opacity and tensile strength. The best film properties were obtained at 20% of glycerol concentration.

[1]  M. Armada,et al.  Physicochemical characterisation of the hydrocolloid from Brea tree (Cercidium praecox) , 2012 .

[2]  Liu Yang,et al.  Dynamic mechanical properties of flaxseed gum based edible films , 2011 .

[3]  D. Das,et al.  New water resistant biomaterial biocide film based on guar gum. , 2011, Bioresource technology.

[4]  Arun Sharma,et al.  Chitosan and guar gum composite films: Preparation, physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties , 2010 .

[5]  P. Alderson,et al.  Gum arabic as a novel edible coating for enhancing shelf-life and improving postharvest quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit. , 2010 .

[6]  J. Teixeira,et al.  Physical properties of edible coatings and films made with a polysaccharide from Anacardium occidentale L. , 2009 .

[7]  C. Guzmán,et al.  Subchronic toxicological evaluation of brea gum (Parkinsonia preacox) as a food additive in BALB/c mice , 2009, Drug and chemical toxicology.

[8]  A. Müller,et al.  Glass transition temperatures and water sorption isotherms of cassava starch , 2009 .

[9]  M. Armada,et al.  Water vapor permeability of edible starch based films , 2007 .

[10]  E. J. Vernon‐Carter,et al.  Interrelationship between the viscoelastic properties and effective moisture diffusivity of emulsions with the water vapor permeability of edible films stabilized by mesquite gum–chitosan complexes , 2006 .

[11]  J. Laurindo,et al.  Influence of plasticizers on the water sorption isotherms and water vapor permeability of chicken feather keratin films , 2006 .

[12]  Daniel Valero,et al.  Postharvest sweet cherry quality and safety maintenance by Aloe vera treatment: A new edible coating , 2006 .

[13]  Rungsinee Sothornvit,et al.  Plasticizers in edible films and coatings , 2005 .

[14]  M. Grossmann,et al.  Barrier, mechanical and optical properties of plasticized yam starch films , 2004 .

[15]  Ala’a H. Al-Muhtaseb,et al.  Water sorption isotherms of starch powders: Part 1: mathematical description of experimental data , 2004 .

[16]  M. Armada,et al.  Thermodynamic Analysis of Water Vapour Sorption of Edible Starch Based Films , 2003 .

[17]  E. Bosquez-Molinaa,et al.  Moisture barrier properties and morphology of mesquite gum – candelilla wax based edible emulsion coatings , 2003 .

[18]  P. Forssell,et al.  Oxygen permeability of amylose and amylopectin films , 2002 .

[19]  J. Chirife,et al.  Water sorption isotherms of foods and foodstuffs : BET or GAB parameters? , 2001 .

[20]  L. Yang,et al.  Mechanical and water vapour barrier properties of edible gellan films , 2000 .

[21]  Meltem Aydinli,et al.  Water Sorption and Water Vapour Permeability Properties of Polysaccharide (Locust Bean Gum) Based Edible Films , 2000 .

[22]  M. Vicentini,et al.  Characterization of Edible Films of Cassava Starch by Electron Microscopy CaracterizaÁªo MicroscÛpica de Filmes ComestÌveis de FØcula de Mandioca , 2000 .

[23]  Daniel Y. Kwok,et al.  Contact angle measurement and contact angle interpretation , 1999 .

[24]  A. Jangchud,et al.  Properties of Peanut Protein Film: Sorption Isotherm and Plasticizer Effect , 1999 .

[25]  C. Rivas,et al.  Composition of Cercidium praecox gum exudates , 1993 .

[26]  Nathalie Gontard,et al.  Edible Wheat Gluten Films: Influence of the Main Process Variables on Film Properties using Response Surface Methodology , 1992 .

[27]  W. Wolf,et al.  results of the COST 90 project on water activity , 1983 .

[28]  J. M. Webber,et al.  Some structural studies of brea gum (an exudate from Cercidium australe jonhst.) , 1969 .

[29]  Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials , 2022 .