Active film of cellulose acetate incorporated with nanosuspension of curcumin

Abstract

Active packaging can release substances to inhibit microbiota and reactions on the surface of foods; among these substances, curcumin can be applied for its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The diffusion of active compounds in cellulose acetate films can be extended for long periods at controlled rate. The addition may affect the mechanical and barrier properties of films, requiring the measurement of the alterations. The purpose of this study was to prepare active films of cellulose acetate and tween 80 incorporated with a simple mixture of curcumin and curcumin nanosuspension as well as assess color, mechanical properties, permeability to CO₂ and migration of the active component. Curcumin influenced the mechanical and optical characteristics of the films but had no effect on the permeability to CO₂. Tween 80 favored the migration, and the reduction in particles size did not increase the migration of curcumin.

Keywords:
curcumin; active packaging; migration; nanosuspension