Synthesis, characterization, and in-vivo application of non-thermal plasma-modified talipot starch-Aloe vera gel biocomposite films for enhancing the shelf life of guava fruits

Modification of talipot starch by non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment and addition of Aloe vera (AV) gel enhanced the crosslinking of filmogenic solution and improved biofilm properties. Both, NTP-modified talipot starch film (MTSF) and AV gel-incorporated modified talipot starch film (AV-MTSF) showed surface protuberances and roughness compared to native talipot starch film (NTSF) and AV gel-incorporated talipot starch film (AV-NTSF). The incorporation of AV gel increased the relative crystallinity and also altered the moisture content, thickness, and opacity of the films. AV-NTSF and AV-MTSF showed decreased water vapor and oxygen permeability, solubility, and elongation at break, and increased tensile strength compared to NTSF and MTSF. Furthermore, AV gel-incorporated films with comparatively good barrier properties showed enhanced control over the increase in pH and total soluble solids, reduced weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid upon in-vivo guava coating application, which induced protectiveness against the desiccation and deterioration of guava fruits.

Automated summary

Modification of talipot starch using non-thermal plasma treatment and Aloe vera gel incorporation improved the properties of the resulting films, including surface features, crystallinity, and permeability. The addition of Aloe vera gel also enhanced control over pH and total soluble solids, and offered improved protection for fruit quality.