The use of phytobiotics-based films as a condition of improving food quality and reducing waste

Abstract

The study analyses the biodegradation degree of biodegradable phytobiotic-based films for packaging food products of animal origin. During the research the authors have completed the following tasks: studied the biodegradation degree of starch-and gelatin-based films, the structure of biodegradable natural polysaccharides-based polymers, water absorption of biodegradable edible films, the chemical stability of biodegradable natural polysaccharides-based polymers, pH and water activity. The study of the biodegradation parameters of phytobiotic edible films will allow the development of a new approach to the production process of edible packaging with an extended shelf life based on concentrated cranberry and lingonberry juice. The study has also evaluated the biodegradation parameters of edible protective coatings for products of animal origin. All the samples had almost complete biodegradation in one month’s time. The biodegradation rate is directly proportional to the presence of plant polysaccharides. The article presents the product characteristics of boiled-smoked meat products in biodegradable packages and describes a production process of meat products with phytobiotic coatings, including additional operations for preparing coating compositions, their application to raw smoked products, as well as drying of coatings on product’s surface. The research has shown that all studied firm samples are biodegradable.