Evaluation of Glycerol Concentration in the Production of Lemon Oil Incorporated Pectin-Based Films Using Principal Component Analysis
Belkis Akachat,
Louiza Himed,
Assala Torche,
Yahia Khelef,
Malika Barkat,
Merniz Salah,
Maria D’Elia,
Luca Rastrelli,
Pınar Terzioğlu
Affiliations
Belkis Akachat
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Food Quality (BIOQUAL), Department of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Nutrition, Food and Agro-Food Technologies (INATAA), Freres Mentouri University 1, Constantine 25000, Algeria
Louiza Himed
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Food Quality (BIOQUAL), Department of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Nutrition, Food and Agro-Food Technologies (INATAA), Freres Mentouri University 1, Constantine 25000, Algeria
Assala Torche
Research Laboratory “Protection of Ecosystems in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones ECOSYS”, KASDI University Merbah, Ouargla 30000, Algeria
Yahia Khelef
Laboratory Biology, Environment and Health (LBEH), Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
Malika Barkat
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Food Quality (BIOQUAL), Department of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Nutrition, Food and Agro-Food Technologies (INATAA), Freres Mentouri University 1, Constantine 25000, Algeria
Merniz Salah
Institute of Industrial Hygiene and Safety, University Batna 2, Batna 05078, Algeria
Maria D’Elia
National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
Luca Rastrelli
National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
Pınar Terzioğlu
Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, 16310 Bursa, Türkiye
This research explores how varying glycerol concentrations (0–30 wt%) affect the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of pectin films, derived from Citrus limon waste and enriched with lemon essential oil. The films were produced using the casting method. The findings show that glycerol significantly impacts film thickness, swelling behavior, water solubility, moisture content, water vapor permeability, and structural and mechanical characteristics. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed molecular interactions between glycerol and the film matrix. Notably, films with 20–30 wt% glycerol had reduced transparency. Mechanically, glycerol increased the elongation at break, enhancing flexibility, while a 5 wt% glycerol concentration optimized tensile strength. However, higher glycerol levels led to decreased tensile strength. Principal Component Analysis identified 5 wt% glycerol as optimal for balancing flexibility and structural integrity. Additionally, glycerol-plasticized films were more hydrophilic than the control. These results highlight glycerol’s crucial role as a plasticizer and the importance of precise concentration control in biodegradable film formulations.
