Camelina sativa Oilseed Cake as a Potential Source of Biopolymer Films: A Chemometric Approach to Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization

Abstract

In this work, the possibility of obtaining biopolymer films from Camelina sativa oilseed cake (CSoC) at different parameters of the synthesis process was investigated. The pH (values 8, 10, and 12), the temperature (60, 80, and 100 °C), and the concentration of the cake in the film-forming suspension (3, 4, and 5%) were varied. The films obtained were characterized by studying the mechanical, barrier, physico-chemical, structural, and biological properties (antioxidant and antimicrobial). The results showed moderate mechanical properties, indicating the application of these biopolymer materials as coatings. Low values of water vapor permeability (5.1–12.26 g/m2h) and very low transmission in the UV range (less than 2%) indicate good barrier properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the films’ composite structures: peaks related to proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and cellulose were detected. The biological activity of the obtained CSoC films was pronounced so that they could be used for active packaging. All films have high antioxidant activity, which is more pronounced in samples synthesized at pH 8. The films possess antibacterial properties against S. aureus, while some had an inhibitory effect on S. typhimurium. Standard score analysis showed that the film sample synthetized at pH = 10, temperature = 100 °C, and concentration = 5% had optimal investigated properties.