Modeling of the release kinetics of phenolic acids embedded in gelatin/chitosan bioactive-packaging films: Influence of both water activity and viscosity of the food simulant on the film structure and antioxidant activity.

Hydrocolloid-based films containing natural phenolic antioxidants (gallic and trans-cinnamic acids at 5% w/wt of polymers) embedded in a gelatin/chitosan matrix were designed as sustainable active packaging. This work deals with characterizing the release mechanisms of the phenolic acids from the films immersed into food simulants (sugar or polyol solutions) having different water activities and viscosities. The films containing gallic acid exhibited higher antioxidant activities than the trans-cinnamic acid films.