Agnes Magri

Edible films based on cassava starch and fructooligosaccharides produced by Bacillus subtilis natto CCT 7712

The objectives of this work were to produce fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) by using the microorganism Bacillus subtilis natto CCT 7712 and to employ these FOSs as a functional ingredient in cassava starch edible films, which were characterized according to their microstructure, mechanical and barrier properties. The produced FOSs could be easily dissolved, resulting in homogeneous filmogenic solutions, which were easily manipulated to obtain films by casting. FOSs were added in different concentrations (0, 1, 5 and 10g/100g solids), and glycerol was used as a plasticizer (20g/100g solids). All formulations resulted in films that had a good appearance and were easily removable from the plates without bubbles or cracks. The FOSs exerted a plasticizing effect on the starch films and decreased their glass transition temperature. The addition of FOSs resulted in higher solubility and elongation and a decreased water vapor permeability of the films. FOSs were shown to be a promising ingredient for use in edible starch films.