STARCH-BASED EDIBLE FILM AND COATING FROM LOCAL PACHYRHIZUS EROSUS

Edible films and coatings usage are constantly increasing in the food industry. It can be consumed, coated on food or placed as barrier between the food and the surrounding environment. It can also help extend food shelf-life and quality of the food. Pachyrhizus known by the locals as sengkuang was use in search of their novelty to be used as starch-based edible films and coatings products. Through this project research, significant findings were found in the starch-based edible films and coatings made. A compatible amount of plasticisers were used to help the product in flexibility. Apart from a nice clarity appearance, the physical testing results showed low values of 34.53% for solubility, 19% for swelling, 0.014 mm for thickness and 0.112 g cm/day m(2) for water vapor permeation. These indicated that the product has a high water resistance. The mechanical test also gave impressive results with 0.313 for coefficient of friction (COF) and 7.9 MPa for tensile strength value. Since their application is still underutilised, this research is carried out in search of cost efficient resources for the production of edible-films and coatings as well as to utilise this food crop in Malaysia.