Development and optimization of edible corn starch films incorporating citronella essential oil and calcium nanoparticles

Authors

Keywords:

Starch, Functional properties, Optimization, Response surface

Abstract

Edible films (EFs) are thin layers of biodegradable organic materials that serve as an alternative to plastic packaging. These films can be made from proteins, polysaccharides, or lipids, with starch being the major material due to its ability to form effective barriers against gases, along with its high solubility and flexibility. To enhance their functional properties, substances such as citronella oil (AC) are incorporated, providing hydrophobic characteristics, while calcium carbonate nanoparticles (NPCC) reinforce the mechanical properties of the films. This study aimed to formulate EFs using native corn starch, AC, and NPCC, and to evaluate their functional properties. It was conducted in two stages: firstly, the EFs were prepared using the casting technique, assessing different concentrations of AC (0-2%) and NPCC (0-2%) for water vapor permeability (PVA), water solubility (S), tensile strength (σ), elongation (ε), and Young's modulus (E). In the second stage, the formulation was optimized using a numerical response surface method. The results indicated that increasing citronella oil decreased WVP, WS, σ, and E values, however ε was increased. On the other hand, increasing calcium carbonate nanoparticles slightly reduced WVP and WS but enhanced E and σ, while decreasing ε. The optimal processing conditions were 1.38% AC and 1.71% NPCC, achieving a suitable balance between functional properties. This suggests that the edible films are a promising alternative to plastic packaging in the food industry.

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Author Biographies

  • Calderón-Castro A., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    He graduated with a degree in Biochemical Engineering from the Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (2005-2010). He completed his graduate studies in Food Science and Technology (Master's and Doctorate) at the same faculty. During his doctoral studies, he undertook an academic stay at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Querétaro unit. He is a Full-Time Research Professor at the FCQB, having taught courses in Inorganic Chemistry, Biostatistics, Operations Research, and Project Feasibility at the undergraduate level. He is a member of the National System of Researchers as a Candidate (2021-2024) and will be a Level 1 researcher (2025-2029). He has received recognition for Full-Time Professors with a Desirable Profile and has published 10 scientific articles in international journals. He has participated in international conferences and has supervised 11 undergraduate theses.

  • Ahumada-Meza J. A., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    Biochemical Engineering undergraduate student

  • Limón-Valenzuela V., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    He is a Biochemical Engineer (1996-2001) graduated from the Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS). He completed his Master's (2002-2004) and Doctorate (2015-2019) in Food Science and Technology at FCQB-UAS. He has taught professional development courses in the area of extrusion. He teaches courses in Basic Chemistry, Linear and Advanced Algebra, Research Methodology, Biostatistics, Thermophysics, and Research Seminar I. He has supervised 2 undergraduate theses and has 2 more in progress. He has been a collaborator in the Consolidation Academic Body UAS-CA-279 “Processing and Characterization of Foods” since November 2013. In terms of scientific production, he has authored at least 6 articles in indexed journals and/or JCR, 13 full publications, and has participated in 32 conferences (national and international), receiving first and third place awards on one occasion. He has been recognized as a Candidate in the National System of Researchers (SNII) for the period 2024-2027 and has given educational talks on the use of biodegradable products.

  • Aguilar-Palazuelos E., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    "Ph.D. in Materials Science from Cinvestav Qro. Member of the National System of Researchers since 2009, currently Level 2. Honorary Researcher of the Sinaloa System of Researchers and Technologists. Level 6 in the Academic and Teaching Performance Scholarship Program. Professor with the desirable PROMEP profile. Recipient of various awards at national and international conferences. Honorable mention in the 2009 National Award for Food Science and Technology. Accredited evaluator for CONACyT. Reviewer of scientific articles. Published 44 indexed scientific articles, 3 book chapters, and more than 100 presentations at national and international conferences. Received 614 type A citations according to the Scopus platform. Has taught a wide variety of subjects at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Regarding human resource training, has supervised 37 students at all levels: 4 PhD students, 17 master's students, and 16 undergraduate students."

  • Fitch-Vargas P. R., Facultad de Ciencias del Mar. UAS, México.

    She is a Professor-Researcher at the Faculty of Marine Sciences of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. She is a Level I Researcher in SNII (2021-2025), holds a Desirable Profile in the Program for the Professional Development of Teachers (2022-2025), and is an honorary researcher in the Sinaloan System of Researchers and Technologists (2024-2026). She has a degree in Biochemical Engineering with a specialization in Marine Foods from the Technological Institute of Mazatlán and holds a master's and a doctorate in Food Science and Technology from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. Her research areas include the formulation of edible coatings for food preservation, the development of starch- and cellulose-based bioplastics, and the utilization of aquatic by-products. She has supervised two master's theses and two undergraduate theses, and has published ten scientific articles in indexed journals.

  • Delgado-Nieblas C. I., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    He is a Biochemical Engineer graduate of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS). He studied for a Master's in Food Science and Technology at UAS and obtained a Doctorate in Science in Biochemical Engineering from the Technological Institute of Durango. He is a Full-Time Tenured Professor C, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at the Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences at UAS. He is a member of the National System of Researchers (SNI) - Level 1, holds a desirable PRODEP profile, and is part of the Consolidated Academic Body "Processing and Characterization of Foods-UAS-CA-279." Dr. Delgado Nieblas has contributed to 19 articles published in indexed journals and has presented over 50 works at conferences, serving as a reviewer for various scientific journals. He has supervised 7 completed undergraduate theses, 2 master's theses, and 2 doctoral theses, and is currently directing 1 undergraduate thesis. Additionally, he engages in outreach activities, advises social service brigades, tutors undergraduate groups, serves as a disciplinary advisor, reviews protocols and theses, and supervises professional practices in the Bachelor's program in Biochemical Engineering at FCQB-UAS. 

  • López-Díaz A., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    He earned a degree in Biochemical Engineering from the Faculty of Chemical Biological Sciences at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (2010-2015). He completed a Master's in Food Science and Technology at the same university (2015-2017) and is currently a student in the Doctorate program in Food Science and Technology.

  • Camacho-Hernández I. L., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    Professor-Researcher at the FCQB-UAS. Member of the National System of Researchers (SNII) - Level 1. Level 5 in the Academic and Teaching Performance Scholarship Program. Member of the Consolidated Academic Body in the research areas of Physiology and Postharvest Technology of Vegetable Products, Design and Evaluation of Agro-food Products, By-products, and Processes, as well as Engineering and Processing of Plant-based Foods. She holds a desirable PROMEP profile. She has received various awards at national and international conferences and serves as a reviewer for scientific articles. She has supervised 17 theses (2 doctoral, 9 master's, and 6 undergraduate) and has authored 15 scientific articles.

  • Ruiz-Armenta X. A., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    Degree Food Industry Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Los Mochis, Master’s and PhD in Food Science and Technology from UAS. Currently a Full-Time Professor and Researcher in same institution, a member of the National System of Researchers at level 1 (SNII-1), an honorary member of the Sinaloa System of Researchers and Technologists (SSIT), and recognized as a Professor with Desirable Profile (PROMEP). She is also an advisor for in-person academic stays as part of the Scientific Summer Program of the Delfín Program. She has supervised 6 completed undergraduate theses and 3 in progress, 1 completed master’s thesis, and another in progress. She has participated in 2 funded research projects. She is the author of 10 scientific articles in indexed journals and has also presented at various national and international conferences, with more than 20 poster presentations and oral talks. Her research areas include the development and evaluation of food products with functional properties and the use of agro-industrial by-products for the production of sustainable foods.

  • Jacobo-Valenzuela N., Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-UAS, México.

    She studied Biochemical Engineering at the Technological Institute of Culiacán (1991–1996), a Master's in Food Science and Technology at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (1996–1998), and a Doctorate in Biochemical Engineering at the Technological Institute of Culiacán (2007–2010). Her work experience includes serving as a part-time lecturer at the University of the West for one year in 2002, and at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, where she has held positions from Lecturer (2013) to Full-Time Research Professor, Associate D (currently, 2024). She teaches courses in the fields of Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Pharmaceutical Biology. She has supervised 4 undergraduate theses, 4 master's theses, and 2 doctoral theses. She has directed PROFAPI projects and published 2 articles as the lead author and 15 as a co-author. She has received distinctions from the National System of Researchers (candidate; 2010) and has been part of the Teacher Improvement Program since 2007 to the present.

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Development and optimization of edible corn starch films incorporating citronella essential oil and calcium nanoparticles

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Published

2024-10-30

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No. 2 (2024): QUIBIOUAS Revista de Ciencias Químico Biológicas

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Calderón Castro, A. ., Ahumada Meza , J. A. ., Limón Valenzuela, V., Aguila Palazuelos , E., Fitch Vargas , P. R. ., Delgado Nieblas , C. I. ., López Díaz, A., Camacho Hernández, I. L. ., Ruiz Armenta, R. A., & Jacobo Valenzuela, N. (2024). Development and optimization of edible corn starch films incorporating citronella essential oil and calcium nanoparticles. QUIBIOUAS Revista De Ciencias Químico Biológicas, 2, 47-57. https://revistas.uas.edu.mx/index.php/QBU/article/view/841