BIODEGRADABLE FILMS ENRICHED WITH NON-ESSENTIAL OILS FOR POST-HARVEST GUAVA PRESERVATION

Brazil is among the largest producers and consumers of guava in the world. However, the export of the fruit is still limited due to its high perishability and the action of phytopathogenic agents. This scenario drives the development of technologies and research aimed at the conservation of guava. The use of packaging acts as a protective barrier against external factors, and can be enhanced by active molecules, such as nanostructures and phytochemicals. Among these molecules, non-essential oils, known for their antimicrobial properties, stand out. This work aimed to produce, characterize and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial property of guar gum films enriched with different concentrations of non-essential oil of açaí, andiroba and Brazil nuts. The guar gum and oils were purchased from commercial suppliers. The films were produced by casting, from filmogenic solutions of guar gum at 1 % (w/v) containing different concentrations of oils (1, 2 and 3% v/v), 30 % (w/w) of glycerol as plasticizer and 0.5% w/v of SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) as emulsifier. The formulations were dehydrated at 40 °C for 12 h and stored at 53% relative humidity. The films were characterized for thickness, grammage, water vapor permeability, mechanical properties and thermal stability (TGA/DSC). The antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Penicillium spp. by means of the growth curve in microplates of 96 wells maintained in an incubator at 28 oC and 35% relative humidity for 5 days