Molecular and Genetic Medicine

Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Multi-Composite Shark Catfish (Pangasius fungaseous) Skin Gelatin Films with the Addition of Sorbitol, Clay and Chitosan Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Jeevithan Elango, Jeya Shakila Robinson, Varatharaja kumar Arumugam, Jeyasekaran Geevaretnama and Sukumar Durairaj

The effects of four variable factors such as protein, sorbitol, montmorillonite (MMT) and chitosan on the properties of multi-composite shark catfish skin gelatin films were evaluated based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Incorporation of chitosan had positive effect on tensile strength, Young’s Modulus and water vapor transmission rate (p<0.05). On the other hand, chitosan and MMT had decreased the elongation of the films (p<0.05). The transparency of the gelatin film was increased by the addition of gelatin and chitosan, whereas it was decreased by the addition of MMT. From the present study, it may concluded that gelatin films with good mechanical and barrier properties could be achieved with 4.50% gelatin, 25% sorbitol, 0.37% MMT and 3.25% chitosan. Thus, multicomposite gelatin films with any desirable properties could be formulated based on the results of the response surface methodology and these films shall be suitable for edible films or coatings for fish and other food products in food processing industries.