Abstract:

A quick dissolvable edible film was prepared with blends of pullulan and gelatin (GEL) showing improved
transparency and barrier properties. Pullulan was added into gelatin film with a ratio of pullulan:GEL of 2:5 (m/m), forming
a composite film named as PG2. The tensile strength of PG2 was 120% of GEL, and PG2 had an oxygen permeability
one thirteenth as high as GEL. There was the strongest interaction of hydrogen bonds and the best compatibility between
the molecules of pullulan and GEL in PG2, which could explain the improved tensile strength and the reduced oxygen
permeability of PG2. PG2 provided low oxygen permeability (0.15 mL/(m2•d)), high tensile strength (97.21 MPa) and short
dissolution time (29.5 s). Moreover, it was instant, oiltight and of low water-vapor permeability (109.08 g/(m2•d)). Thus, the
prepared edible film of PG2 is suitable for application in edible inner packaging.

Key words: pullulan, gelatin, edible film, oxygen permeability, tensile strength