Filmes biodegradáveis a base de pectina enriquecidos com nanopartículas de selênio

Abstract

Traditional plastic-based packaging is derived from petroleum and environmental pollution, making it essential to explore sustainable alternatives. Pectin (PEC), extracted mainly from citrus fruits, stands out as a biocompatible, safe, and easy-to-obtain option. However, adding calcium calcium as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer is necessary to improve its properties. Furthermore, incorporating selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) confers antioxidant properties to packaging, providing benefits such as increasing the shelf life of packaged products. The presence of SeNPs also impacts the optical properties of materials, such as color, opacity, and barrier to ultraviolet light. The incorporation of SeNPs also resulted in a reduction in water vapor permeability. An analysis of the mechanical properties reveals an increase in the rigidity and flexibility of the films with the inclusion of the crosslinking agent, contributing to the suitability of these packages in different applications in the food industry. FTIR and X-ray fluorescence analyses confirm the presence and interaction of the added components. Even so, the handling rate of films evaluated through thermal analysis (TG and DSC) is influenced by the presence of the crosslinking agent, reducing possible distribution modulation. Thus, the films present promising characteristics for active packaging, combining mechanical properties, UV barrier, and adjustable handling potential. Future research can explore optimizations to improve the performance of these packages in specific applications.