Production and characterization of pinhão starch biofilms

Abstract

The aim of this work was to prepare and evaluate the properties of biofilms made from pinhão starch in association with xanthan gum and glycerol by casting technique. Tests were run to determine the moisture content, the morphology, the thickness, the water solubility, the glass transition temperature and the gas permeability of these biofilms. Results showed that the biofilms presented appropriate moisture content, high water resistance and uniform thickness. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed not only the presence of cracks on the surface of the biofilm but also some starch granules that did not gelatinize. By Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was detected the glass transition temperature (- 4.8 ± 0.1 °C) and different values of melting temperature (182.3 ± 2.1 °C and 134.9 ± 0.6 °C). The permeability to gases, N2 and CO2, was significantly different.