Thermomechanical properties, refrigeration stability, and aerobic biodegradability of starch and gelatin biofilms reinforced with Laponite®

Arias Saldaña J.C.; García Uscata L.M.; Vargas-Delgado L.F.; Tellez-Monzón L.; Pasquel-Reátegui J.L.; Vélez-Erazo E.M.; Nolazco-Cama D.M. · CYTA - Journal of Food (2026) · DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2026.2643022

Resumen

The properties of biofilms with reinforcing agents must be analyzed for their applicability in food. Four biofilms were formulated with Laponite® (a reinforcing agent) containing corn or cassava starch and gelatin. The surface morphology, thickness, permeability, thermomechanical properties, refrigeration stability, and biodegradability were determined. The results showed greater roughness in cassava biofilms and the influence of the interaction with gelatin and additives, which slightly altered their thermal properties. Better permeability and mechanical properties were obtained with cassava starch, Laponite®, and a higher proportion of gelatin. Under refrigeration, changes in moisture, water activity, transparency, and color were not significant. The addition of Laponite® was observed to decrease the percentage of aerobic biodegradability, reaching 78% after 64 days of evaluation. Laponite®, in combination with cassava starch and gelatin, can be used for the packaging of refrigerated foods.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Universidad Nacional de San Martín