Effect of microcapsules incorporation on the mechanical and barrier properties of binary films:

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of size-controlled microcapsules containing probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus) on the mechanical and barrier properties from films based on high acyl gellan and sodium alginate. The microcapsules were made by the internal ionic gelation method, while the films by the casting method. The findings showed that microcapsules modified the mechanical and barrier properties of the analyzed films. However, when the microcapsules were loaded with probiotic bacteria there was no significant variation (p> 0.05) compared to those films without probiotic load, these results are interesting because open the possibility of designing films containing probiotic bacteria as an active principle without causing significant alterations in films that being due to probiotic growth. Therefore, it is possible to suggest the possibility of using these materials to obtain active packages for food applications. © 2018 Centro de Informacion Tecnologica. All Rights Reserved.