Modified Arabinoxylan-Based Films. Part B. Grafting of Omega-3 Fatty Acids by Oxygen Plasma and Electron Beam Irradiation

Arabinoxylans (AXs) are byproducts of the cereal milling industry. To obtain high-value products, AXs have been used as a film-forming agent. Hence, AX-based films are poor water vapor barriers. The objectives of this study were to graft omega-3 (omega3) fatty acids onto AX polymeric chains by using two new technologies: cold plasma and electron beam (EB) irradiation. Results show that the surface hydrophobicity of the modified films is higher than that of a waxy coating or a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film. In addition, FTIR spectroscopy analysis reveals vibration bands attributed to new chemical functions. Finally, a decrease in water vapor permeability (WVP) is obtained for the film treated with the alpha-linolenic acid-rich oil. This result could be explained by a better diffusion of this shorter polyunsaturated fatty acid into the AX network. Linseed oils provide better barrier properties and a higher surface hydrophobicity than oils extract from marine oils. Edible oils were chosen for edible application of these films to retard moisture transfers in stuffed biscuits.