Antioxidant Films from Cassava Starch/Gelatin Biocomposite Fortified with Quercetin and TBHQ and Their Applications in Food Models

Edible and active packaging are attractive for use in food packaging applications due to their functionality and sustainability. This research developed new antioxidant active food packaging materials from cassava starch/gelatin (7:3 w/w) composite films with varied antioxidant types (quercetin and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)) and concentrations (0–200 mg/200 mL film-forming solution) and evaluated their properties. Antioxidant addition altered the mechanical and barrier properties of the films. At 34% relative humidity (RH), increasing the concentration of quercetin increased the tensile strength and decreased the elongation at break of the composite films. Increasing quercetin and TBHQ contents increased the film water solubility and water vapor transmission rate. Intermolecular interactions between the antioxidants and films, as found in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and XRD micrographs, were related to the changed film functionalities. In food application studies, the cassava starch/gelatin films containing quercetin and TBHQ retarded the oxidation of lard (more than 35 days) and delayed the redness discoloration of pork. Cassava starch/gelatin composite films integrated with quercetin and TBHQ can be utilized as active packaging that delays oxidation in foods.