A Comprehensive Study on Gelatin- and Whey Protein Isolate-Based Edible Films as Carriers of Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) Extract

Abstract Gelatin (GEL) and whey protein isolate (WPI) are often taken into account as carriers of phytoantioxidants for developing active packaging. The materials obtained, however, have not yet been systematically compared to demonstrate their potential benefits drawbacks. Fireweed extract (FE) is a rich source polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. Therefore, in this study, the structural, physicochemical, antiradical properties GEL WPI films incorporated freeze-dried fireweed (FE; 0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05%) were simultaneously evaluated. As verified by X-ray diffraction, GEL-based more crystalline and, consequently, mechanically stronger (~ 9–11 vs. ~ 6 MPa) less permeable water vapor than (44.95–52.02 61.47–70.49 g mm m ?2 day ?1 kPa ). Furthermore, offered bit transparent, yellow, stretchable 50–59% 26%). In turn, had superior UV-protective potential. higher FE concentration yielded yellow improved UV-blocking ability. (0.05%) made cryogel denser. Based on half-time reduction 2,2?-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (t ABTS50% ), 0.05% FE-supplemented exhibited 1.6 1.9 times better counterparts. This result implies that WPI-based films, being soluble (35.12–36.74 31.51–33.21%) swellable (192.61–205.88 1056.93–2282.47%), ensured faster release aqueous medium. slower building up activity suggests could be useful development slow/less migratory packaging systems moisture food.