Technological watch

Biodegradable film based on alginate and aloe vera were developed. Addition of aloe vera had a positive influence on the mechanical as well as physicochemical properties of alginate based composite films.Biodegradable films based on sodium alginate and aloe vera were prepared by casting technique. The resulting films were characterized by swelling behavior, scanning electron microscopy, biodegradation, as well as mechanical and barrier properties. The aloe vera gel exerted a positive influence on mechanical and physico?chemical properties. Aloe vera gel improved the tensile strength of the films giving maximum value of 21.20?N/mm2 at 20% gel. Water vapor permeability of the composite films was reduced which made the film more effective as a moisture barrier, giving the most efficient result of 1.16?×?10?10 g?m?1 s?1 Pa?1 at 50% aloe vera gel. The present study demonstrates the viability of the composite alginate aloe vera films as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic plastic films for the packaging of food materials.