Preparation and characterization of gelatin‐pectin‐based active films incorporated with <i>Styrax benzoin</i> oleo gum resin

Abstract In this study, benzoin oleogum resin (BOGR) loaded antioxidant gelatin/pectin (GEPE) based films were developed and characterized for various parameters including mechanical, barrier, optical, film hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, surface roughness, chemical, thermal, morphological and antioxidant properties. The incorporation of BOGR decreased water solubility, moisture content, tensile strength, and elongation at break. However, water permeability, opacity, thickness, and water hydrophobicity were increased. Moreover, SEM and AFM analysis confirmed that the films loaded with BOGR showed heterogeneous and rougher surfaces in comparison to blank film. The intermolecular interactions between GEPE and BOGR was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Thermal stability of the prepared BOGR loaded films was improved. Additionally, antioxidant activities of the film were significantly increased with increase in concentration of BOGR as indicated by ABTS and DPPH assays. Our findings indicate that BOGR loaded composite films could be used as an active material for food packaging applications.