Development of a biomaterial based on starch-gelatin blends: Physical, mechanical and barrier properties

Films made from a mixture of Chayotextle starch-Gelatin (SG) were prepared according to the following concentrations SG 3:1, SG 2:2, and SG 1:3. Two controls were considered; gelatin (G) and starch (S) films. Glycerol was added as a plasticizer to all treatments at 2 %. The aim of this research was the study of the effect of different concentrations of chayotextle starch and gelatin on the physical, mechanical and barrier properties of films. G treatment presented higher solubility in comparison to those treatments with presence of starch. FT-IR exhibited the characteristic molecular fingerprint of gelatin and starch. There was not detected new bands in the spectrometers of the mixed films. The lowest percentage of crystallinity appeared in SG 2:2 films with 37.8 %. This value increased up to 64.9 % in the G treatment. The variation of ratios in the mixture starch-gelatin produced differences in structure and properties of films. These properties could be configured, adapted and applied according to the requirements of the food engineering, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industry.