Elaboración de un biofilm a partir de la mezcla de almidón de mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) y yuca (Manihot esculenta) para su uso en el embalaje de alimentos

Abstract

The waste generated by the indiscriminate use of petroleum-derived plastics has caused a serious environmental problem, being the long degradation period the main inconvenience, therefore, through this research we sought to develop a biofilm from the mixture of mashua starch and cassava starch for the use in food packaging, which also helps to reduce the amount of solid waste on the planet. This research was conducted in four stages, starting with the extraction of starch using the 2K factorial method, recommended for experiments with two variables. In this stage, a 5% yield was achieved in mashua with TM1 and 15.9% in cassava starch with TY3; following with the characterization of the starches obtained according to the provisions of INEN Standard 1456. In the biofilm elaboration stage, T3 was obtained as the best formulation, using 4 g of the starch mixture (50% TM1/50% TY3), 2 ml of plasticizer (glycerin), 4 ml of acetic acid and 50 ml of distilled water. Finally, the biofilm film was characterized, presenting an elongation percentage of 7.6% and a thickness of 0.2 mm, a solubility percentage of 34.18% and a humidity of 14.75%. It was also observed that it presents an acceptable degradability in air and soil, concluding that it is suitable for coating food by maintaining its properties for weeks. Finally, it is recommended to continue with the search for other additives that can improve the characteristics of this biofilm, allowing it to be destined to another use and contributing to the reduction of the use of petroleum-derived plastics.