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Green banana (Musa acuminata AAA) wastes to develop an edible film for food applications

Abstract:

In this study, edible packaging based on discarded green banana (Musa acuminata AAA) flour (whole banana and banana peel flours) was developed for food applications. Films were char-acterized in terms of film-forming ability, mechanical, barrier, thermal, microbiological, and sensory properties. The film forming solutions were studied for rheological properties. Two formulations were selected based on their film-forming ability: whole banana flour (2.5%), peel flour (1.5%) and glycerol (1.0 %, F-1.0 G or 1.5%, F-1.5 G). Adding 1.5% plasticizer, due to the hygroscopic effect, favored the water retention of the films, increasing the density, which also resulted in a decrease in lightness and transparency. Water activity shows no difference between the two formulations, which were water resistant for at least 25 h. DSC results showed a similar melting temperature (Tm) for both films, around 122 °C. Both films solutions showed a viscoelastic behavior in the frequency spectrum, being the elastic modulus greater in F-1.0 G film than F-1.5 G film at low frequency. F-1.0 G film was less firm, deformable and elastic, with a less compact structure and a rougher surface as confirmed by AFM, favoring a higher water vapor permeability with respect to F.1.5 G film. Microorganisms such as Enterobacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were not found in the films after a period of storage (1 year under ambient conditions). The F-1.0 G film with added spices (cumin, oregano, garlic, onion, pepper, and nutmeg) was tested for some food applications: as a snack (with or without heat treatment) and as a wrap for grilled chicken. The performance of the seasoned film during chilled storage of chicken breast was also studied. Sensory evaluation showed good overall accept-ability of all applications. In addition, the chicken breast wrapped with the seasoned film registered lower counts (1-log cycle) than the control (covered with a polystyrene bag) and the film without spices. Green banana flour is a promising material to develop edible films for food applications.