Edible films with protein and bioactive compounds from Arthrospira sp.

Arthrospira sp. is an alternative source of protein in the food chain, but it may also be considered a source of phenolic compounds with interesting properties, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In active packaging, these two properties are essential. In the present work, two extracts were produced: one extract rich in protein and another in bioactives. These two extracts were used in the production of an edible film composed of alginate (2%) + protein extract (0.5%) + bioactive extract (0.25%) with high antioxidant activity: ABTS of 1537.50 ± 191.87 and DPPH of 190.75 ± 15.53 µM TE/mg film. All the edible films produced had good physical properties, such as 100% solubility in water and ethanolic solutions. The films with alginate and protein-rich extract and or without bioactive-rich extract presented lower water vapor permeability—12.28 ± 3.01 g⋅mm−2⋅day−1⋅kPa−1 and 14.39 ± 3.64 g⋅mm⋅m−2⋅day−1⋅kPa−1, respectively—than the alginate film. In addition, the film with alginate- and protein-rich extract presented an acceptable color.