DefinePK

Abstract

Due to its chemical and mechanical properties, iota carrageenan exhibits great potential as a material for assembling polysaccharide-based edible film. In this research, the physical and chemical properties of commercial semi-refined iota-carrageenan derived from Eucheuma denticulatum were evaluated. Edible films with varying concentrations of semi-refined iota-carrageenan combined with glycerol as the plasticiser were prepared and characterised. Results showed that both the physical and chemical properties of semi-refined iota-carrageenan were in accordance with the international standard. Increasing the semi-refined iota-carrageenan concentration (from 1% to 2%, w/v) significantly enhanced the thickness and tensile strength (TS) of edible film (p < 0.05). Degression in the percentage of elongation-at-break (EAB) and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) with higher concentrations of semi-refined iota-carrageenan was observed; thus, incorporation of 2% semi-refined iota-carrageenan is recommended for producing edible film.