Stability of Bioactive Compounds From Argemone platyceras in Sorbitol-Gum Arabic Biopolymer Films: A Food Coating Alternative

Abstract

A plastic film made from Gum Arabic and sorbitol (BioFilm-EAp) was developed to enhance the stability of bioactive compounds from Argemone platyceras (EAp) and preserve their antimicrobial properties. The EAp compounds identified through spectrophotometric methods in ethanolic extracts of leaves and stems included alkaloids (3320 and 1260 cm⁻¹), flavonoids (1739 cm⁻¹), and phenols (1260 cm⁻¹). Additionally, the extracts demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The BioFilm, with and without EAp, was characterized through mechanical tests, revealing that films containing EAp were less resistant (1.07–11.82 N) than those without compounds (23.02 N). Furthermore, these properties depended on the concentration of sorbitol. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols in the BioFilm-EAp was assessed qualitatively using a simple and inexpensive methodology based on UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results indicated that these compounds remained stable within the sorbitol-Gum Arabic biopolymer matrix over 21 days. Finally, a sample of grapes was coated with the BioFilm-EAp films through the solution immersion method. This coating preserved the physical parameters of the grapes stored at room temperature, while the active compounds inhibited the growth of microorganisms on the grapes.