Utilization of potassium carbonate-olive oil solutions for wax removal from fruits: Investigation of mode of action using a model gelatin-based film system

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Demircan B., McClements D. J., VELİOĞLU Y. S.

Food Chemistry, cilt.483, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

• Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
• Cilt numarası: 483
• Basım Tarihi: 2025
• Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144362
• Dergi Adı: Food Chemistry
• Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
• Anahtar Kelimeler: Emulsification, Gelatin-based film, Potas solution, Potassium carbonate dipping, Wax coating, Wax removal
• Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study evaluated a potassium carbonate-olive oil solution's efficacy in removing a wax from gelatin films (model surfaces). The solution (pH 12.15–12.40) was most effective with 1 % olive oil. Dipping treatment increased wax-free film thickness by 89 % and wax-containing films by 36 %, while reducing density by 50 % and 21 %, respectively. Optical analysis confirmed wax removal, showing a 20 % drop in whiteness and 144 % higher opacity in wax-containing films. Thermal analysis revealed a 35 % lower wax melting enthalpy and 28 % less mass loss in treated films. FTIR spectra showed reduced ester C[dbnd]O peak intensity (1735 cm−1), confirming hydrolysis. Post-treatment, the solution's particle size grew to 2138 nm, zeta potential fell to 20.4 mV, and surface tension dropped to 40.94 mN/m. Microscopy revealed increased particle aggregation with wax-containing films. These results demonstrate the potassium carbonate-olive oil solution's effectiveness in wax removal from gelatin film surfaces through hydrolysis, emulsification, and solubilization mechanisms.