Development of Chitosan Films from Edible Crickets and Their Performance as a Bio-Based Food Packaging Material

Polysaccharides

Ian Kaplan¹  Owen G. Jones²  Andrea M. Liceaga²  Fernanda San Martin-Gonzalez²  Morgan Malm²  Jose M. Garcia-Bravo³ 

[1] Department of Entomology, Purdue University, 901 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;School of Engineering Technology, Purdue University, 401 N. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;

关键词: chitin;    chitosan;    polysaccharide packaging;    edible crickets;    melanin complexes;    physicochemical properties;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polysaccharides2040045

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Edible insects have gained attention due to their impressive nutritional composition, as well as their efficient use of natural resources. However, a research gap remains on the applications of insect chitosan, especially as it relates to their potential use as food packaging material. Chitosan from two reared cricket species (Acheta domesticus and Gryllodes sigillatus) was evaluated for use as food packaging material. Cricket chitosan films (CCF) were structurally similar to commercial shrimp chitosan films (SCF) at controlled glycerol levels, as seen by shared spectral peaks in FT-IR analyses. Mechanical properties of CCF showed they had equal or greater tensile strength when compared to commercial SCF, although flexibility was lower. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased roughness of microstructure, likely increasing the tortuosity. As a result, CCF had improved water vapor permeability compared to commercial SCF. Melanin complexes present in cricket chitin and chitosan increased hydrophobicity and decreased light transmittance. This study also revealed that intrinsic species differences, which occur during insect and crustacean exoskeleton development, could have effects on the functionality of chitosan packaging materials. Overall, CCF were found to be as effective as commercial SCF, while providing additional advantages. CCF derived from reared crickets have good mechanical and barrier properties, and improved water resistance and light barrier characteristics. Edible cricket chitosan has the potential to be used as bio-based packaging material for food and pharmaceutical applications.

【 授权许可】

Unknown