Development and characterization of EPS-modified alginate films with improved barrier, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibrowning capabilities


Bayrak S., Omeroglu M. A.

FOOD CHEMISTRY, cilt.513, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 513
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.149017
  • Dergi Adı: FOOD CHEMISTRY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Functionally enriched calcium alginate (CA/EPS) biocomposite films incorporating exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Bacillus licheniformis WL5 were developed to delay enzymatic browning in fresh produce. FT-IR analysis confirmed strong hydrogen bonding between EPS and alginate, whereas SEM revealed a denser, fibrillar structure. Compared with neat CA films, CA/EPS films had a reduced moisture content (7.00%), solubility (21.9%), swelling ratio (35.83%), and water vapor transmission rate (23.53 g/m2 & sdot;day), indicating improved barrier properties. Mechanical testing revealed higher tensile strength and Young's modulus, whereas optical studies demonstrated increased opacity and improved UV-Vis light protection. The films exhibited strong antioxidant activity (DPPH 90.19%, ABTS 92.40%) and notable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with lower MIC and MBC values. Controlled diffusion-based release of bioactive compounds was observed. Coating fresh-cut apples effectively reduced browning during cold storage, and strong polyphenol oxidase inhibition (IC50 = 17.72 mu g/mL) highlighted their potential as multifunctional active packaging materials.