Excessive Availability of Water for Irrigation Results in Cactus Cladode Powder with Fewer Organic Biomolecules and Reduces the Quality of the Biopolymeric Film

Abstract

The effect of different irrigation regimes on the physical and chemical properties of cactus cladode powder and its biopolymeric films was investigated. Plants of the genera Nopalea and Opuntia were grown under four irrigation regimes of: 0, 40, 80, and 120% evapotranspiration. The cladodes were harvested, their powder was obtained, hydrated, mixed with ethanol (70%), calcium lactate (5% w/v), and dried in an oven at 55 °C for 27 h to obtain biopolymeric films. The physicochemical and spectral data related to the multivariate analysis showed that the lowest irrigation regime (0–80% of ETc) for both genders produced more acidic material, with higher levels of total phenolic compounds, total carbohydrates, and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the surfaces of Opuntia films showed more homogeneous micro- and macrostructure and better mechanical and thermal properties compared to Nopalea. Therefore, cactus powder and films are suitable for the food and packaging production industries.