Smooth Hound Skin Gelatin-TiO 2 Films: Physicochemical and Structural Characterization

The effect of TiO 2 on structural properties of Mustelus mustelus gelatin films, obtained by solution casting method, was investigated. This work determined the effect of a low TiO 2 particle ratio addition ranging from 0.01 to 0.03% on structural properties of gelatin films. The results showed that TiO 2 incorporation improved the UV barrier efficacy and increased the films opacity. The formation of new interactions between gelatin matrix and TiO 2 particles were confirmed by FTIR analysis. A decrease in elongation at break was observed for gelatin-based film when TiO 2 content increased, whereas the tensile strength increased. The microstructure analysis revealed heterogeneous structure due to the presence of a small aggregate with increasing the TiO 2 ratio. The addition of TiO 2 increased the contact angles, which could be related to the hydrophobic nature of the TiO 2 incorporated films proved by the low swelling capacity of these films. In addition, incorporation of TiO 2 particles into gelatin matrix improved barrier properties and provide good antibacterial activity of gelatin films making it able to be used in food packaging or pharmaceutical packaging as a UV protective. Graphical Abstract