A New Protocol for Obtaining Mucilage and Biopolymeric Ecofilms From Cacti

This study introduces an innovative approach by recycling ethanol in cactus mucilage extraction to create eco-friendly biopolymeric films. Distilling residual ethanol reduced pigments while preserving 82% of the alcohol. Ecofilms from distilled alcohol-extracted mucilage were thinner, less soluble, more transparent and rupture-resistant. Adding calcium lactate improved water solubility, water vapour permeability and thickness, while enhancing resistance and thermal stability. These ecofilms have potential applications as edible coatings, offering environmental benefits and cost savings for the industry. ABSTRACTThe objective was to produce an innovative biopolymeric ecofilm, using hydrotested and reused alcohol for mucilage extraction and incorporation of calcium lactate into the film. The mucilage ofNopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck was extracted with ethyl alcohol P.A. (99.8%) or reused alcohol after hydrodistillation (82%). Mucilage powder was hydrated (4% w/v), glycerol at a concentration of 60% and calcium lactate (0% and 2%) were added and the emulsion was then placed in the oven for 24  h to prepare the films. The innovation of this work was the recycling of the ethanol used to extract cactus mucilage in order to prepare ecofilms, which resulted in a more environmentally friendly production process. The industrial yield of mucilage extracted using distilled ethanol (1.3%) was lo wer than that of P.A. alcohol (3.3%). However, the mucilage extracted using distilled...
Source: Packaging Technology and Science - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research