Potential of Coccolithophore Microalgae as Fillers in Starch-Based Films for Active and Sustainable Food Packaging.

ABSTRACT: Coccolithophore microalgae, such as Emiliania huxleyi (EHUX) and Chrysotila pseudoroscoffensis (CP), are composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and contain bioactive compounds that can be explored to produce sustainable food packaging. In this study, for the first time, these microalgae were incorporated as fillers in starch-based films, envisioning the development of biodegradable and bioactive materials for food packaging applications. The films were obtained by solvent casting using different proportions of the filler (2.5, 5, 10, and 20%, w/w). For comparison, commercial CaCO₃, used as filler in the plastic industry, was also tested. The incorporation of CaCO₃ and microalgae (EHUX or CP) made the films significantly less rigid

SUBMITTER: Moreira ASP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9914559 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature