Antifungal, Mechanical, and Physical Properties of Edible Film Containing Williopsis saturnus var. saturnus Antagonistic Yeast.

The molding of food products causing health risks is a main problem in the food industry. In this study, as an alternative solution for preventing mold growth, an antifungal edible film was developed by incorporating Williopsis saturnus var. saturnus (0; 3; 7; and 9 logs CFU/cm2 ) into whey protein concentrate (WPC) based films. Antifungal properties of the films against Penicilium expansum and Aspergillus niger were analyzed using the disc diffusion method. Physical (barrier, solubility, color), mechanical (tensile strength and percent elongation) properties of the films as well as the survival of W. saturnus in the film were assessed during 28 days of storage at 23 °C. According to the results, the viability of W. saturnus (7 and 9 logs CFU/cm2 ) in WPC films stored for 28 days under vacuum or non-vacuum decreased to 36% and 60%, respectively. In addition, films containing W. saturnus decreased the viability of P. expansum and A. niger by 29% and 19%, respectively. Adding yeast did not change the tensile strength (P > 0.05), but significantly decreased % elongation and increased water vapor and oxygen permeability and water solubility (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that the developed films may be useful for inhibiting mold growth on foods.