In the present study, gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose blend film was synthesized, characterized and applied for the first time to preserve cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) and grapes (Vitis vinifera). Gelatin (Gel) film forming solution was incorporated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at three volume per volume (Gel:CMC) ratios, namely 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75. CMC treatment has improved the transparency, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability of gelatin films. A pronounced effect was obtained for 25Gel:75CMC film. The TS and EAB values were increased from 25.98 MPa and 2.34% (100Gel:0CMC) to 37.54 MPa and 4.41% (25Gel:75CMC), respectively. A significant improvement in antimicrobial property of gelatin films against two food pathogens, namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was obtained in the presence of CMC. The effectiveness of gelatin-CMC blend films to extend the shelf life of agricultural products was evaluated in a 14-day preservation study. The gelatin-CMC films were successfully controlled the weight loss and browning index of the fruits up to 50.41% and 31.34%, respectively. Overall, gelatin-CMC film is an environmental friendly film for food preservation.
Keywords: Antimicrobial activity; Biopolymer films; Food preservation; Physicochemical properties.