Biopolymer films properties change affected by essential oils addition

Abstract

Biopolymer films can be used as packaging materials in the food industry, when they contribute to a better mechanical integrity of packaged foods and act as barrier to various environmental agents. The greatest disadvantage regarding biopolymer films application are poor barrier characteristic, which is a consequence of their high hydrophilicity; their mechanical and physico- chemical properties are considered to be a moderate disadvantage. This paper presents the effects of chemical modifications, such as the addition of hydrophobic components (essential oils), to the properties of biopolymer films. Except that the addition of essential oils significantly affects the mechanical, barrier and physico-chemical properties of biopolymer films, in this way, biopolymer films become active and exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant action. Changes in the mechanical and barrier properties of various biopolymer films have been observed in particular, with and without the addition of oil in different concentrations.