Edible films based on chayotextle starch and its effect on the shelf life of apples

The apple is a climacteric fruit, characterized by having long post-harvest life in optimal storage conditions, addition to various nutritional benefits. In Mexico, it has become common sell piece and ready be consumed, each after being washed disinfected, protected with polyurethane net low-density polyethylene plastic film, which contributes the increase generation of solid waste environmental pollution. main objective this work was evaluate effectiveness edible films based on chayotextle starch pectin nopal mucilage, preserve physicochemical, microbiological sensory characteristics apples stored refrigeration (4-6°C). Two types were made: T1: (4%), glycerol (2%); T2: (1%), mucilage (0.5%), (30% w / v); These determined permeability water vapor (T1: 1.317x10-12; 8.854 g s- 1 Pa-1 m -1) oxygen 4.444x10-14, 5.87 gm s -1 m-2). shelf-life study showed that both material maintained physicochemical (pH), sensory, rheological (Hardness) (fungi yeast, mesophilic aerobic total coliform) for 40 days