Chemical characteristics
The study evaluates the chemical properties of edible films using Butterfly Pea flower extract and sorbitol, focusing on antioxidant activity, pH andmoisture content, to evaluate their functional qualities and initial application in food product protection. Table 1 presents comprehensive data on the chemical characteristics, elucidating the performance of edible films across various formulations.
Antioxidant activity IC50
The study found that edible films containing different concentrations of butterfly pea flower extract and sorbitol showed moderate antioxidant activity. Control treatments (T1S1 and T1S2) exhibited weak activity due to the lack of Butterfly Pea extract. The IC
50 values decreased with increasing concentrations of Butterfly Pea extract, with T4S1 and T4S2 showing the highest antioxidant capacities. This indicates a positive relationship between the concentration of Butterfly Pea extract and its antioxidant capacity, as active anthocyanin compounds stabilize free radicals and reduce oxidative potential
(Gew et al., 2024). Control films (T1S1 and T1S2) had weak antioxidant activity. Antioxidant strength is classified based on IC
50 values: 50-100 ppm is vital, 100-150 ppm is moderate andvalues exceeding 150 ppm are weak
(Cui et al., 2021; Nurjannah, 2022) Incorporating butterfly pea extract significantly enhances the antioxidant activity of edible films, offering potential for applications in food packaging where oxidative protection is essential for prolonging product freshness and shelf life.
Moisture content
The moisture content of edible films, ranging from 12.6% to 13.38%, is crucial for assessing their effectiveness in microbial resistance and structural stability. Treatment T4S2, containing 8% butterfly pea flower extract and 14% sorbitol, had the highest moisture content at 13.38%, while T1S1 had the lowest at 12.6%. This is due to hydrophilic components improving water retention. Sorbitol, a plasticizer in edible films, increases water retention by increasing film flexibility but also increases moisture content, potentially affecting microbial stability. Hydrophilic films, primarily starch and CMC, increase moisture content due to free hydroxyl groups interacting with water
(Rahmawati et al., 2019). Research shows that films with higher hydrophilic components have better water retention (
Widayanti et al., 2022). Thickness also influences moisture levels, with thicker films showing higher moisture content due to increased film matrix volume.
pH
The study found that the pH values of edible films ranged from 7.1 to 7.85, with a minor decrease with higher concentrations of butterfly pea flower extract. This is likely due to the acidic properties of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in the extract
(Narayanan et al., 2023). Elevated sorbitol concentrations also affected the pH. A neutral to slightly acidic pH range is beneficial for edible films, as it preserves bioactive compounds’ stability and inhibits microbial growth
(Wang et al., 2024). Maintaining pH near neutrality enhances compatibility with food products, minimizing potential effects on taste or quality. The pH range suggests edible films are suitable for food coatings, providing protective and preservative benefits while maintaining food’s organoleptic qualities.
Mechanical characteristics
The mechanical properties of active edible films are examined, focusing on thickness, tensile strength andelongation tests Table 2. Mechanical testing of edible films assesses their durability for use as protective coatings on food products.
Thickness
This study produced edible films with thicknesses ranging from 0.119 mm (T1S1) to 0.207 mm (T4S2) (Table 2), all meeting the
Japanese Industrial Standard, (1975) maximum thickness of 0.25 mm. The thickness increase was observed with higher concentrations of sorbitol and butterfly pea flower extract, due to the elevated solid content in the film formulation. Sorbitol, acting as a plasticiser, likely increased film thickness by enhancing polymer chain mobility and molecular cohesion (
Widayanti et al., 2022). The T4S2 treatment, with the highest concentrations of sorbitol and Butterfly Pea flower extract, produced the thickest edible film at 0.207 mm. Increased thickness can improve barrier properties, but may negatively affect mechanical properties like flexibility and tensile strength (
Ballesteros-Mártinez et al., 2020). The thickness values demonstrate the appropriateness of these edible films for food coating applications, offering sufficient barrier protection while adhering to JIS’s maximum standards.
Tensile strength
Tensile strength refers to the maximum pulling force a film can withstand before failure
(Chandla et al., 2020). The tensile strength of edible film incorporating Butterfly Pea flower extract and sorbitol treatments varied between 0.0051 and 0.0093 MPa. The highest tensile strength was observed in the treatment combination T1S1, which consisted of 0% Butterfly Pea flower extract and 10% sorbitol (Table 2). The minimum tensile strength value standard for edible film is 0.3 Mpa according to the
Japanese Industrial Standard, (1975). However, all active films did not meet this standard, indicating a relatively low tensile strength
(Rahmawati et al., 2022). The presence of soluble solids can result in stronger cross-links in starch polymers, affecting the strength required to break these films. Adding plasticizers can reduce the film’s stiffness and lower its tensile strength. The tensile strength of potato starch edible film peaked at 9.26 MPa with a sorbitol concentration of 0.6% (v/v), then declined to 4.12 MPa at a concentration of 1.2% sorbitol
(Ramdhani et al., 2022). The addition of antioxidants from butterfly pea flower extract also affected the decrease in tensile strength value.
Elongation
The elongation percentage of edible film is a measure of its quality, indicating its elasticity and resistance to tearing. The elongation percentage is determined by the ratio between the initial and final elongation changes of the film. The average elongation percentage on edible film with a combination of butterfly pea flower extract concentration and sorbitol ranges from 10.61-36.5%. The T4S2 treatment, which contains 8% Butterfly Pea flower extract and 14% sorbitol, yields the highest elongation percentage at 36.5%, while the T1S1 treatment, which contains 0% and 10% sorbitol, has the lowest at 10.61% (Table 2). The percentage of edible film elongation is considered poor if less than 10% and excellent if exceeding 50%. The combination of butterfly pea flower extract concentration and sorbitol significantly differs from the percentage elongation of edible film. Sorbitol can make the film structure more flexible and soft by increasing the distance between molecules and reducing hydrogen bonds (
Julianto, 2011).
Organoleptic test results
Flavour
A study conducted by 25 untrained panellists revealed that the taste of edible film applied to sausages varied between 2.68 and 4 (dislike). The lowest value was 2.68 from the T2S1 treatment, while the highest was 4 from the T3S2 treatment (Fig 1). The panellists’ responsibilities in acceptability treatment were significant, with the highest value being 4 from the T3S2 treatment. The difference was due to the amount of sorbitol and butterfly pea extract given and the thickness of the film. The panellists found that the taste of an edible film with butterfly pea flower extract and sorbitol was sweet, depending on the amount of sorbitol added (
Sasongko and Agustina, 2024).
Aroma
The study analyzed the aroma of an edible film coated with butterfly pea flower extract and sorbitol on 25 panellists (Fig 2). The panellists’ average liking value for the film ranged from 3-3.64 (neutral). The treatment combination T1S1, which contained 0% butterfly pea flower extract and 10% sorbitol, had the lowest value of 3. The highest value was 3.64. Statistical testing showed no significant difference in panellist responses to aroma. However, the application of edible film to beef sausage produced a less strong aroma, making it difficult for panellists to assess. This aligns with
Husna et al. (2022) research, which found that extracts from Butterfly Pea flowers do not contain aromas that allow panellists to identify the aroma they produce.
Colour
The organoleptic evaluation of 25 panellists revealed a preference for the colour of an edible film with Butterfly Pea flower extract and sorbitol, ranging from 2.88 to 3.56. The lowest value was recorded at 2.88, indicating neutrality, while the highest value was 3.56, indicating neutrality. The Friedman test results showed no significant difference in panellists’ acceptance of the film colour. The lowest rating was given to the treatment combination T1S1 (0% butterfly pea flower extract and 10% sorbitol), as the resulting film color was pale (Fig 3). The treatment combination T2S2 (4% butterfly pea flower extract and 14% sorbitol) produced a stable, not too pale andintense color, not affecting the appearance of sausage products without edible coating. This stability is due to the 4% concentration of Butterfly Pea flower extract, which results in a lower pH value, allowing optimal dye binding (
Palimbong and Pariama, 2020). The difference in colour assessment was not significant due to the effect of adding anthocyanin compounds and the thickness of the coating. The greater the concentration of Butterfly Pea flower extract, the darker the edible film’s color.
Texture
The results of organoleptic analysis of 25 untrained panellists showed that the assessment of the texture of edible film with the addition of butterfly pea flower extract and sorbitol ranged from 2.92-3.8 (neutral-love). The average favourability of edible film texture can be seen in Fig 4. The lowest score was for the T1S1 treatment, which had a hard and stiff texture due to retrogradation during cooling. The highest score was for the T4S2 treatment, which had a chewy and stable texture. The study suggests that adding sorbitol in large quantities can reduce the hard texture in starch. The intricate texture of edible films is due to retrogradation during cooling after drying, where amylose molecules exit starch granules
(Rahmadi et al., 2023). A combination of T4S2 (butterfly pea flower extract 8% and sorbitol 14%) produces a chewy, stable texture, significantly affecting the sausage product without edible coating. Large quantities of sorbitol reduce intermolecular hydrogen bonds in starch, resulting in a chewier texture
(Nofiandi et al., 2016).
Best treatment
The de garmo method was used to evaluate the best treatment for an edible film product, considering parameters like tensile strength, elongation, thickness, moisture content, antioxidant activity, pH andorganoleptic tests, with the highest weight treatment being the best (Fig 5). The best treatment for T2S2 (butterfly pea flower extract 4% and sorbitol 14%) was calculated based on chemical parameters, mechanical-chemical and organoleptic properties antioxidant activity 148.83 ppm, moisture content 19.35%, thickness 0.178 mm, elongation 34.15%, tensile strength 0.00 71 MPa, pH 7.5, colour 3.56 (neutral), taste 4 (like), texture 3.52 (neutral) andaroma 3.64 (neutral).
Scanning electron microscopic (SEM)
SEM results of
edible film made from durian seed starch provide information about the film’s microscopic structure and surface morphology in the best treatment. The results of SEM test observations of the
edible film surface on the best sample with different magnification images are presented in Fig 6. The study reveals that the use of 4% Butterfly Pea flower extract and 14% sorbitol in edible film from durian seed and corn starch results in a hollow, inhomogeneous surface structure. The presence of high amylose and high amylopectin affects the film’s surface structure, while blue palm extract affects its homogeneity and morphology
(Rahmadi et al., 2023). The addition of blue palm extract to a film surface affects its homogeneity and morphology, affecting its mechanical properties. The use of plasticizer and biopolymer type, such as durian seed starch and corn starch, also affect film properties
(Lestari et al., 2020).