Bionanocomposite Films Prepared from Corn Starch With and Without Nanopackaged Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Flower Extract

Active and pH-sensitive nano-fillers were prepared from natural and modified montmorillonite (Mnt) and nanopackaged with anthocyanins extracted from the Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower. These were then used to reinforce corn (Zea mays) starch-based films plasticized with glycerol, and processed by extrusion and thermo-molding. Seven film systems were investigated for their potential as "active and intelligent" (A&I) bionanocomposite films with improved properties. The thermal and mechanical properties of the bionanocomposite films obtained were enhanced largely due to the added modified clay nano-fillers, and the nanopackaging of the anthocyanins between the nano-clay layers. Unfortunately, however, the bionanocomposite films failed as A&I materials, despite the supposed effect of the nano-clays as protective nano-encapsulating materials for the active and pH-sensitive compound (anthocyanins). The results obtained suggest that the exfoliation of the nano-fillers as a consequence of the shear forces inside the extruder led to the exposure of the anthocyanins during extrusion. Because of this, we consider the large-scale development of A&I biodegradable films incorporating natural pigments very unlikely being processed by extrusion/thermo-molding, since there are several significant processes involved in the techniques currently available in the food and polymer industries that leave the active and pH-sensitive compounds unprotected.