Produção de filmes poliméricos biodegradáveis a partir do óleo da polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) com atividade antifúngica para possíveis aplicações na indústria de alimentos

Abstract

Euterpe oleracea is a palm tree known for açaí berries, with its oil recognized for its bioactive compounds, attributing beneficial health properties. Açaí's antifungal potential is linked to its bioactive compounds like fatty acids, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds. The study aims to develop polymeric films incorporating açaí pulp oil for use in food packaging. The preparation process involved dissolving sodium alginate in distilled water, mixing with açaí pulp oil, adding glycerol and dihydrated calcium chloride. The initial 17 films were evaluated for visual and tactile aspects, physicochemical properties, and antifungal activity against Curvularia. The central point films showed the most suitable formulation with good continuity, homogeneity, flexibility, and ease of removal, moisture between 10.59% and 44.01%, solubility between 4.89% and 52.94%, with positive quadratic effects of alginate concentration and linear effects of glycerol and açaí pulp oil concentration. Four formulations exhibited good antifungal parameters against Curvularia. Based on initial results, four optimized formulations were analyzed. Test 3 stands out for its homogeneous surface attributed to increased glycerol, providing flexibility to the polymeric matrix. With higher moisture, it shows less variation, suggesting result uniformity. High elongation at break indicates flexibility, advantageous in flexible packaging. Test 2, with lower elongation, is more suitable for prioritizing rigidity and resistance. FTIR analysis demonstrated an expected coherent structure with characteristic peaks and chemical bonds. In DRX analysis, interactions between oil and other components may have caused alterations in the material's crystalline structure. All optimized films inhibited Aspergillus flavus activity (ranging from 71.39% to 94.13%). Optimized film 2 inhibited three types of fungi (Aspergillus niger -90.41%; Aspergillus flavus – 93.57%; Penicillium – 50.00%). Polymeric films incorporated with açaí pulp oil show promise for food packaging applications.