The effect of sorbitol content on the chracteristics of starch based edible films

Abstract

Present study investigated effects of plasticizer contribution on structural, barrier and mechanical properties of corn starch based edible films. Films were obtained from solutions (containing gelatinized starch, polyol, guar-xantan gum modified mixture and water) by casting it on a Petri dish. Sorbitol acted as a plasticizer and guar-xantan modified mixture had role to enable better film folding and handling. Sorbitol was used in concentrations: 100, 130 and 160% (dry starch basis). The film proved to be strong, moderately flexible with good barrier properties to oxygen and water vapor. It was estimated that oxygen and water vapor permeability increases as plasticizer content in the film increases. Mechanical strength of films decreases due to plasticizer addition.

Keywords

• packaging material
• edible films
• starch
• properties