Backgraound: Polysaccharides, particularly Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Ammoniacum Gum (AMG), are considered valuable due to their thermal stability and non-toxicity. CMC has good film-forming ability but weak mechanical properties, while AMG shows promise with its unique chemical composition. Additionally, essential oils, such as Clove Essential Oil (CEO), are being used to enhance the antimicrobial properties of edible films, offering a natural way to extend the shelf life of food products.
Methods: This study investigated the combined effect of CMC: ۰.۵-۱.۵ wt %, AMG: ۱-۵ wt %, as well as CEO: ۰-۳۰ v/v % on the physical characteristics of the CMC-AMG films by Response Surface Methodology. The optimization was performed with the aim of maximizing Whiteness Index, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), and Strain at Break (SB) and minimizing total color difference (ΔE) values. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, film microstructure, Differential Scanning Calorimeter analysis, and antibacterial activity were investigated. The analysis was conducted using Design Expert software version ۱۰.۰۰ (STAT-EASE Inc., Minneapolis, USA).
Result: The films with the highest UTS have been obtained through a composition of ۵ g CMC, ۱.۵ g AMG, and ۱۵% CEO. On the contrary, using a composition of ۵ g CMC, ۱ g AMG, and ۳۰% CEO revealed the highest SB (۱۱۵.۴۱%). The highest UTS value of ۱۳.۱۷ MPa was obtained with a formulation consisting of ۵% AMG, ۱.۵% CMC, and ۱۵% CEO. Nevertheless, the maximum SB value of ۱۱۵.۴۱% was achieved with a formulation containing ۵% AMG, ۱% CMC, and ۳۰% CEO. Moreover, heterogeneous microstructure and more opaque films were obtained as identified by the higher ΔE. The Differential Scanning Calorimeter results demonstrated that incorporating a CEO did not impinge on thermal stability. Furthermore, the addition of CEO led to a rise in antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Conclusion: In conclusion, combination of CMC and AMG in optimum levels, led to the production of a film with acceptable mechanical properties. Also, these films showed significant antimicrobial activity.
DOI: ۱۰.۱۸۵۰۲/jfqhc.۱۰.۴.۱۴۱۷۸