Active gelatin-based films incorporated with juçara (Euterpe edulis M.) extract: Mechanical, thermal, and antioxidant properties

Authors

  • Joelmir Grassi Presente Natural Products Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande – FURG, Santo Antônio da Patrulha Campus, Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7422-0456
  • Marta dos Santos Diniz Freitas Natural Products Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande – FURG, Santo Antônio da Patrulha Campus, Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1778-1152
  • Bruna Moura Bastos Industrial Technology Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Carreiros Campus, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8070-9420
  • Neusa Fernandes de Moura Natural Products Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande – FURG, Santo Antônio da Patrulha Campus, Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5744-8242
  • Roberto de Souza Gomes da Silva Natural Products Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande – FURG, Santo Antônio da Patrulha Campus, Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6296-4983

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i5.852

Keywords:

juçara extract, biodegradable packaging, bioactive properties, antioxidant activity, Euterpe genus

Abstract

The replacement of conventional plastic packaging with biodegradable materials derived from natural sources has driven research toward functional biopolymeric systems. Gelatin is a promising matrix for film formation, and juçara (Euterpe edulis) extract, rich in phenolic compounds, represents a potential bioactive additive. This study aimed to develop gelatin-based films incorporating juçara extract at concentrations of 0.1 g extract g⁻¹ gelatin (S1) and 0.25 g extract g⁻¹ gelatin (S2), in comparison with a control film without extract. The films were characterized in terms of water solubility, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), color attributes, morphology, thermal behavior, and antioxidant activity. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Extract incorporation significantly affected film properties. S2 exhibited the highest elongation at break (24.24%) and the lowest WVP (1.57 g mm m⁻² day⁻¹ kPa⁻¹), although tensile strength decreased compared to the control (22.81 MPa). Films containing juçara extract showed reduced solubility relative to the control. Colorimetric analysis indicated similarity to fresh fruit, with increased opacity upon extract addition. Scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform and homogeneous surfaces, with greater particle dispersion observed in S2. Thermal analysis demonstrated a glass transition temperature of 36.9 °C for all samples, while melting temperatures increased with extract concentration, reaching 142.3 °C in S2. Antioxidant activity increased markedly after extract incorporation, with inhibition percentages of 1.97%, 38.68%, and 55.91% for control, S1, and S2, respectively. The results indicate that Euterpe edulis extract enhances both functional and bioactive properties of gelatin-based films, particularly at 0.25 g extract g⁻¹ gelatin, supporting its potential application in active biodegradable food packaging.

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Presente, J. G., Freitas, M. dos S. D., Bastos, B. M., Moura, N. F. de, & Silva, R. de S. G. da. (2026). Active gelatin-based films incorporated with juçara (Euterpe edulis M.) extract: Mechanical, thermal, and antioxidant properties. Brazilian Journal of Science, 5(5), 46–60. https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i5.852

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): Brazilian Journal of Science

Section

Agrarian and Biological Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2026 Joelmir Grassi Presente, Marta dos Santos Diniz Freitas, Bruna Moura Bastos, Neusa Fernandes de Moura, Roberto de Souza Gomes da Silva

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