agriTECH
Vol 46, No 3 (2026)

Characteristics of Sago Starch Edible Film Composite with Pectin and Carboxy Methyl Cellulose

Theresia Marzhilla Samponu (Departement of Agricultural Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pattimura, Jl. Ir. M. Putuhena, Kampus Poka, Ambon 97233)
Rachel Breemer (Departement of Agricultural Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pattimura, Jl. Ir. M. Putuhena, Kampus Poka, Ambon 97233)
Febby Jeanry Polnaya (Departement of Agricultural Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Pattimura, Jl. Ir. M. Putuhena, Kampus Poka, Ambon 97233)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Oct 2026

Abstract

Phosphorylated sago starch-based edible films are promising environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional food packaging; however, their mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties remain limited. This study aimed to optimize the formulation of phosphorylated sago starch-based edible films by varying the pectin-to- carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) ratio. A completely randomized design with six formulations and three replications was employed: A1 (4 g starch), A2 (2 g starch + 2 g pectin), A3 (2 g starch + 2 g CMC), A4 (2 g starch + 1 g pectin + 1 g CMC), A5 (2 g starch + 0.5 g pectin + 1.5 g CMC), and A6 (2 g starch + 1.5 g pectin + 0.5 g CMC). Film thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, water solubility, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were evaluated and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The result shows that variations in the pectin-to-CMC ratio had no significant effect on film thickness, water solubility, or elongation at break but significantly affected tensile strength and WVTR. The optimum formulation (A5) exhibited the highest tensile strength (33.702 MPa) while maintaining a relatively low WVTR (1.632 g H₂O/m²·h), with a thickness of 0.116 mm, water solubility of 0.091%, and elongation at break of 3.060%. The superior performance of A5 was attributed to synergistic interactions among phosphorylated sago starch, pectin, and CMC, which promoted a denser three-dimensional polymer network through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, thereby enhancing matrix cohesion and reducing water vapor diffusion. These findings demonstrate the potential of the optimized composite film as a biodegradable packaging material for dry foods and other products requiring moderate moisture control.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

agritech

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

Description

Agritech with registered number ISSN 0216-0455 (print) and ISSN 2527-3825 (online) is a scientific journal that publishes the results of research in the field of food and agricultural product technology, agricultural and bio-system engineering, and agroindustrial technology. This journal is ...