Brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum is a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and
antimicrobial properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of incorporation of A. nodosum
extract on the physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of gelatin and sodium caseinate
films. Gelatin and sodium caseinate films were casted with incorporation of A. nodosum extract at 25 and 50% (w/w of
base material) with glycerol added as a plasticizer. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of
the films increased at higher levels of seaweed extract incorporation. Film properties including thickness,
color and light transparency were evaluated. Film appearance was slightly modified and film
microstructure analysis highlighted rough surfaces with incorporation of seaweed extract. Hydrophilici-ty and glass transition temperature of the films also increased at higher levels of seaweed extract.
This study demonstrates that seaweed extract can be incorporated in gelatin and casein
films as an active ingredient for the development of biofunctional films.