Polylactide films produced with bixin and acetyl tributyl citrate: Functional properties for active packaging

Packaging materials are decisive to preserve the quality and nutritional value of food. Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with adequate mechanical properties for packaging applications, but its moderate oxygen barrier properties and high UV light transmission hamper its performance as packaging for oxygen‐ and light‐sensitive products. Bixin, a carotenoid with coloring and antioxidant character, was used to improve the light barrier of PLA films plasticized or not with acetyl tri‐butyl citrate (ATBC). The films were subjected to thermal treatment mimicking polymer processing temperatures. Despite more than 74 wt% of bixin degraded during heat treatment, films were still blocking up to 95% of UVA and 90% of UVB transmission. Plasticizing PLA with ATBC accelerated up to six times the bixin release into a food simulant, which allowed to reach relevant concentrations for food preservation. In conclusion, bixin is a promising natural antioxidant and UV‐shielding additive of biodegradable packaging. Bixin, a natural UV‐shielding antioxidant, keeps efficiency even if degraded during thermal polymer processing of PLA.