Abstract

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF NATURAL POLYMER USED AS NANOCOATING OF FRUITS

Alvikar A. R.*, S. A. Patil, S. B. Kubal, S. P. Salunkhe and D. K. Gaikwad

ABSTRACT

The Inflorescence of Parkia biglandulosa, flowers of Bombax ceiba, Spathodia campanulata, fruits of Muntingia calabura, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bridelia scandens leaves of Jaquinia armilaris were used for the isolation and characterization of natural Polymers. The thin film of natural polymer was prepared with different ingredients along with Corn Zein and applied for the coating of Tomato and Grape fruits. The physiocochemical properties of natural polymer were analysed. It was noticed that the tapped density (0.90 gm/cc) of Parkia biglandulosa and Muntingia calabura shows higher than the other mucilage powder, while the bulk density of Parkia biglandulosa and Muntingia calabura was (0.66 gm/cc). The Carr’s Index and Hausner’s ratio of Artocarpous (fruit) was (92.3 %) higher than the other mucilage. The oil absorption of Muntingia calabura and Spathodea canpanulata was higher than the other mucilaginous powders. The Water holding capacity of Muntingia calabura mucilage was 6 to 7 times higher than the other mucilage. The zeta potential of the mucilage powder of Parkia biglandulosa, Bombax ceiba, Muntingia calabura and Spathodea campanulata was higher than other mucilages which improves the flow properties of natural polymers. These natural polymers with better viscosity is helpful to move the various drugs or nutrients through chewing gum, butter, chocolate, margarin candy as well as other food items, this will improves the quality of these products. The results of the present study indicates that the mucilage isolated from various plants indicates the tapped and bulk density in the range of 0.60 to 0.90 gm/cc which indicates the tendency of mucilage particle to adhere to one another. Hence due to slimy solution of mucilage in water and its insolublity in organic solvents, it can perform as best medium in disintigrant and binder or it might be utilized as a gelling agent due to its sticky nature in various pharmaceutical formulations as well as it might be utilized as a best coater for various types of fleshy fruits during its post harvest storage.

Keywords: Physicochemical properties, Corn Zein, Zeta potential.