Elaboração de filmes de emulsão a partir de galactomanano de algaroba e xiloglucano de tamarindo

Abstract

There has been an increasing interest in using biomaterials extracted from renewable agricultural resources or industrial by-products because of their high availability, and as a way to add value to those by-products. This need has motivated the search for new materials with film forming abilities. A great variety of materials such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids have been used for development of biodegradable (or even edible) films and coatings. Natural polysaccharides such as galactomannan and xyloglucans, extracted from mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seeds, respectively, may be used for production of edible films and coatings, due to their biodegradability, ability to form cohesive polymeric networks, and safety for food applications. Through the signs of the anomeric carbons, identified by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), it was possible to confirm the presence of galactomannan (GM) and xyloglucan (XG) the extracted materials. Polysaccharides such as GM and XG extracted, respectively, mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica), may be such alternative materials for the production of films and coatings, with the basis of their biodegradability, ability of forming polymer networks cohesive and safety for use in food. The extraction yields of galactomannan and xyloglucan were 6.6 and 10.1% (w/w), respectively. The polysaccharides were confirmed by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) as GM and XG. The bands attributed to polysaccharides in the sample were identified by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) in the region around 750-1300 cm-1 for the two biopolymers. The monosaccharide weigth ratios (%) were; for GM (by HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography), mannose: galactose, 20.35:15.40, and for XG (by GC-MS), glucose: xylose: galactose, 46.47:24.87:17.52. Film forming galactomannan and palm fruit oil (PFO) emulsions were prepared by mixing PFO nanoemulsions with GM and glycerol in order to obtain films by casting. Similarly, film forming emulsions from XG and sesame oil (SO) were prepared. Increased vegetable oil contents (PFO or SO) resulted in increased hydrophobicity reflected as increased water contact angle, and decreased water solubility and water vapor permeability. However, transparency and mechanical properties of films (except elongation at break) were impaired by high lipid concentrations. Sonication provided a more uniform dispersion of lipid droplets, as indicated by the Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) images. The presence of lipids in the films was noticeable due to the appearance of relatively uniform and well dispersed oil droplets within the polysaccharide matrix.