The aim of this work was to develop an edible film based on arabic gum (AG), carboximethylcellulose (CMC) and glycerol (GL) as plasticizer and assess its potential for covering fruits to preserve them in a modified atmosphere. We evaluated its mechanical properties in terms of impermeability and light transmission. In an evolutionary design phase an approximate formulation of the film was obtained. With this basis, a range of concentrations for AG (20 and 30 %), CMC (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 %) and GL (5, 10 and 15 %) were defined to characterize the material. The combination of 30 % AG, 0.25 to 0.50 % CMC and 5 to 10 % GL was adequate for use in fruit preservation in modified atmosphere systems. By changing concentration of AG, CMC and GL O2 and CO2 permeabilities and mechanical resistance could be regulated. Transparency was more than 80 %.

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