Biodegradable film production from agroforestry and fishery residues with active compounds

Abstract

An increasing interest in food packaging materials without environmental impact and able to improve shelf life has emerged in the last decade. The aim of this work was to produce biodegradable films from agroforestry (pine stumps) and fishery (chitosan) residues with active compounds. N-carboxybutylchitosan (CBC) films were developed with the inclusion of a reinforcing material (cellulose), plasticizers (silicone or glycerol) and/or an antioxidant extract from pine stumps. These films were characterised in terms of physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity. Films with glycerol presented higher elasticity, while pure CBC films showed the most adequate water vapour barrier properties. Films had thickness values (55–70 μm) similar to commercial ones, and slightly hydrophobic properties (contact angles of ~ 84–102 ◦). All films revealed low cytotoxicity, with the exception of the extract-loaded films. However, these have potential to increase food shelf life and decrease photo-oxidation, due to their opacity/brown colour.