Abstract
Given the serious ecological problems posed by non-biodegradable and petrochemical-based packaging films, people are paying increasing attention to biodegradable and safe packaging materials. To find a biodegradable food packaging film, this study prepared a novel edible and antioxidant film by incorporating epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) nanoparticles (EGNPs) into tara gum (TG) film. The physicochemical properties and application of antioxidant films were studied. The results showed the antioxidant films had good ultraviolet (UV) barrier performance and transparency. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) showed the interaction between EGNPs with TG films. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed smooth and homogeneous cross-section of films, indicating that the EGNPs well dispersed in the TG matrix. The good compatibility of EGNPs in the films slightly influenced the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) (p > 0.05). The elongation at break (EAB) was significantly increased from 44.60% to 75.06% with the increase of EGNPs in TG film, while tensile strength (TS) was decreased. The antioxidant films showed long-term antioxidant activity during the storage of 90 days. Our research shows that antioxidant films and coatings can be used to improve the shelf-life of blueberries and have huge application potential in the food packaging field. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-06104-y.