Development and Characterization of Edible Films Based on Mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.)

摘要: Mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) was extracted and characterized by its composition molecular weight distribution. film-forming dispersions were prepared under different pHs (3, 4, 5.6, 7, 8) calcium concentration (0% 30% CaCl(2), with respect to mucilage's weight), their particle size determined. films without (MFCa MF, respectively) prepared. The effect pH on mucilage evaluated determining thickness, color, water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), percentage elongation (%E). average the fractions was: 3.4 x 10(6) (0.73%), 1 10(5) (1.46%), 1.1 10(3) (45.79%), 2.4 10(2) Da (52.03%). Aqueous no presented particles an d(0.5) 15.4 microm, greater than calcium, 13.2 microm. MFCa showed more thickness (0.13 mm) MF (0.10 mm). addition increased WVP from 109.94 130.45 gmm/m(2)dkPa. Calcium affected mechanical properties films; largest TS observed films, whereas highest %E films. differences among at 5.6 7 for 4 8 %E. No luminosity hue angle. Chroma values higher when compared MFCa, as increased. Practical Application: In this study nopal ability form edible pHs, or calcium. had general, it can be considered that modification have best barrier strength. could represent a good option development in countries where is highly produced low cost, constituting processing alternative nopal.