Preparation and characterization of pullulan derivative antibacterial composite films

The preparation of an antibacterial film is imperative for the preservation and transportation of food. In the present work, we prepared a pullulan derivative/sodium alginate composite film. This composite film exhibited an excellent film-forming ability and water vapor barrier. In addition, with 11% light transmittance in the visible region, this film exhibited worthwhile light barrier properties. Further, the addition of sodium alginate improved the mechanical properties of the composite film (34 MPa). The active amino groups on the pullulan derivative backbone induced antimicrobial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus. This study can provide an essential guideline for the preparation of antibacterial food packaging films in the future.