Active biodegradable cassava starch films incorporated lycopene nanocapsules

The development of biodegradable films with addition of natural antioxidants is an alternative to the use of non biodegradable packaging and use of synthetic antioxidants. The aim of this study was to develop biodegradable cassava starch films with antioxidant activity by the addition of free lycopene or lycopene nanocapsules and evaluate the effect of addition in the physical properties, mechanical and barrier of the films. Addition of free lycopene showed lower water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation of the films, however, the addition of lycopene nanocapsules provided an increase of these parameters compared to the control film. Addition of lycopene nanocapsules also provided greatest barrier to light transmission UV/Vis compared to the control films, films with added free lycopene and the commercial polyethylene film. The films incorporated lycopene nanocapsules provided greater protection to oxidation of stored sunflower oil under accelerated oxidation conditions, which shows potential application as packaging antioxidant to prevent oxidation of foods with a high fat content. The biodegradable films showed good thermal stability when subjected to different heating rates and rapid biodegradability for 15 days, which demonstrates good characteristics and potential applications of lycopene nanocapsules for the development of active biodegradable packaging.