Antimicrobial packaging film from cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida) mucilage and gelatine

Gelatine is an excellent substitute for biodegradable packaging materials; nevertheless, it is necessary to mix it with other polymers due to its poor mechanical and high hydrophilicity. In the present study, we used Cylindropuntia fulgida mucilage (CF) as main constituent and gelatine (GTN). The Euphorbia caducifolia extract (ECE) was incorporated in concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10, 20 %, and its influence on the film's morphological, thermal, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties was assessed. The surface of fabricated CF/GTN/ECE biocomposite films was more homogeneous and smoother with the high concentration of in ECE. The elongation at break improved from 2 to 60.59 %, and WVP enhanced from 3.34 to 2.59 10-4 g mm/mm2 day kPa and highest antimicrobial activity of 3.62 +/- 0.71 Log CFU g-1 when CF/GTN was incorporated with 20 % ECE. Incorporating CF and ECE 10 to 20 % makes these films a good substitute for the packaging of food products.

Automated summary

Gelatine mixed with Cylindropuntia fulgida mucilage and Euphorbia caducifolia extract showed improved mechanical properties, water vapor barrier properties, and antimicrobial activity, making them a good substitute for food packaging.