Development and characterization of biodegradable chitosan films containing two essential oils

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Chitosan is a versatile biopolymer with potential for active packaging applications.
• Essential oils offer antimicrobial and antioxidant properties beneficial for food preservation.
• Developing active biodegradable films requires understanding material interactions and properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop active biodegradable films using chitosan and essential oils (citronella and cedarwood).
• To investigate the physical, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of these composite films.
• To explore the potential of these films for active packaging in food technology.

Main Methods:

• Films were prepared using the casting and solvent-evaporation method.
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze interactions.
• Water-vapor permeability, mechanical strength, and thermal stability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Chitosan films incorporated with 10-30% citronella essential oil (CEO) or cedarwood oil (CWO) were successfully developed.
• FTIR confirmed interactions between chitosan and the essential oils.
• Significant reduction in water-vapor permeability was observed, with 30% CEO decreasing it by 63%.
• Mechanical properties were affected, except for tensile strength with 10% CEO.
• Thermal stability showed only slight improvements.

Conclusions:

• Active biodegradable films can be effectively produced by incorporating CEO and CWO into a chitosan matrix.
• These films exhibit enhanced barrier properties, particularly reduced water-vapor permeability.
• The developed films present promising opportunities for the packaging industry in creating active packaging solutions for food applications.