Preparation and characterization of edible films composed of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. mucilage and starch

With the goals of reducing negative environmental impacts and improving the novel food packaging industry, edible films composed of Chinese yam mucilage (DOM) and starch were prepared via a casting method. The films were characterized by analysing the physical, morphological, mechanical and barrier properties, performing a thermal analysis, and finally performing an acute toxicity analysis in rats that ingested the film-forming solutions. Four film samples (F1, F2, F3 and F4) were prepared to evaluate the effects of ultrasound and the addition of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on DOM. DOM films presented a compact and uniform structure without toxicological responses, and the optimal DOM film-forming solution contained 20.0% mucilage, 10.0% starch, 1.0% glycerol, and 2.0% CMC after a 1 h ultrasound treatment. The solubility, swelling degree and water vapour permeability (WVP) of DOM film were 41.11%, 95.03% and 55.30 g mm/m2·d·kPa, respectively. The functional groups analysed by FT-IR and thermal degradation were not affected by the different formulations. Therefore, the non-toxic and bio-degradable films prepared using DOM have the great potential to be used in applications in food packaging. •Edible films were composed of starch, the Dioscorea opposita mucilage (DOM), and glycerol.•The effects of ultrasound treatment and addition of CMC on films were studied.•Physical, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of DOM films were characterized.•DOM films presented a compact and uniform structure without toxicological responses.•DOM films have great potential to be used in applications in food packaging.