Physical properties and antioxidant activity of gelatin-sodium alginate edible films with tea polyphenols

Active edible films were prepared by incorporating tea polyphenols (TP) into gelatin and sodium alginate. The effects of 0.4%–2.0% TP (w/w, TP/gelatin) on physical, antioxidant, and morphological properties of gelatin-sodium alginate films were evaluated. Tensile strength (Ts), contact angle (CA), and cross-linking degree showed an enhanced trend as TP concentration in the film increased, whereas elongation at break (EAB) and water vapor permeability (WVP) possessed a decline trend. The light transmittance of the film was decreased by the incorporation of TP. Antioxidant capacity was improved by increasing TP content in the films. For DPPH and ABTS radical, the films with 2.0% TP possessed the highest values of 90.62 ± 2.48% and 53.36 ± 1.06 Trolox (mg Trolox equivalent/g film), respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses (FTIR) indicated the interactions existed between gelatin‑sodium alginate and TP. Smooth and continuous surface and dense internal structure of the films with TP were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thus, incorporating TP into gelatin and sodium alginate film solution was an effective method in order to improve physical properties and antioxidant activity of the films. Gelatin-sodium alginate films with TP could be used as an edible film for food packaging applications.