Formulation and Characterization of Crosslinked Quinoa Starch Films Optimized by Response Surface Methodology

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions has catalyzed interest in starch‐based biodegradable films. However, native starches often exhibit limitations such as poor mechanical strength and high solubility. This study focuses on the development of edible films from chemically modified quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa ) starch through boric acid crosslinking, optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was employed to assess the impact of crosslinked starch and glycerol on mechanical properties, including tensile strength (TS), puncture strength (PS), and puncture deformation (PD). The optimized film, formulated with 2% starch and 1% glycerol, exhibited enhanced mechanical integrity (TS: 59.98 MPa; PS: 81.75 N; PD: 1.1 mm) and superior barrier properties. Moisture content, solubility and water activity were significantly reduced, while transparency was improved. Structural analysis using SEM, FTIR, and XRD confirmed the formation of a denser, more amorphous matrix with reduced hydrophilicity. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of chemical crosslinking and RSM in producing high‐performance starch films suitable for eco‐friendly packaging applications.