Biodegradable Sodium Alginate Films Incorporated With Microcapsules of Amazonian Buriti Fruit Oil (<scp><i>Mauritia flexuosa</i></scp> L.)

ABSTRACT Pollution caused by plastic polymers is a growing concern as it compromises biodiversity and human health. As a sustainable solution, developing biodegradable films, such as sodium alginate, is promising due to its low vapor permeability, flexibility, gloss, and cost‐effectiveness. Incorporating bioactive compounds, such as Buriti oil ( Mauritia flexuosa L.), enhances the antioxidant properties of the films, improving food safety and preservation. Encapsulation is an effective technique to protect these compounds. This study aimed to develop biodegradable sodium alginate films with the addition of microcapsules of Buriti oil (MBO) using the casting technique. The morphology of the films, as well as their physical, thermal, and barrier properties, were evaluated, along with the preservation of sunflower oil during 12 days of ṇcontrolled storage at 30°C, with analyses of peroxide, dienes, and conjugated trienes indices. The addition of microcapsules of Buriti oil did not significantly alter the structure of the films, but higher concentrations of microcapsules made the films weaker and more elastic. Lower concentrations of Buriti oil microcapsules effectively reduced water vapor permeability. The developed films were effective in preserving sunflower oil, showing lower and more stable levels of dienes and conjugated trienes peroxide indices compared to the commercial simulator and open control. Sodium alginate films with microcapsules of Buriti oil represent a potentially ecologically correct alternative for developing biodegradable packaging.