Physical properties and release kinetics of electron beam irradiated fish gelatin films with antioxidants of bamboo leaves

The effect of electron beam irradiation (EBI) on the physical properties of fish gelatin (FG) films with antioxidants of bamboo leaves (AOB) was investigated. The results indicated that EBI had a positive effect on the tensile strength , denaturation temperatures, opacity values and microstructure of FG-AOB films. The highest values of mechanical and thermal properties as well as opacity were observed at irradiation dosages of 5 and 7 kGy. Nevertheless, EBI decreased contact angle and raised water vapor permeability of the films at higher relative humidity (90-100%), suggesting the re-organisation of hydrophilic groups on the films surface. The infrared spectroscopy and microstructure results showed that proper irradiation dosages could produce cross-linking bonds between FG and AOB and form compact structures, contributing to the decrease of AOB release rates. Therefore, irradiated FG-AOB films showed good mechanical and thermal properties, which suggested that they have the potential to be developed as biodegradable food packaging material.