Choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents as plasticizer and active agent in chitosan films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable food packaging solutions.
• Environmental concerns associated with synthetic plastic waste.
• Need for biodegradable alternatives to conventional packaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize chitosan-based films incorporating deep eutectic solvents (DES).
• To evaluate the active properties and mechanical performance of these novel bio-based films.
• To explore the potential of DES-plasticized chitosan as an environmentally friendly packaging material.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of chitosan (Ch) films using various deep eutectic solvents (DES) composed of choline chloride and different hydrogen bond donors.
• Incorporation of DES as plasticizers into the chitosan matrix.
• Evaluation of film properties, including mold inhibition and mechanical characteristics (tensile strength, elongation at break).

Main Results:

• Chitosan films plasticized with choline chloride: citric acid demonstrated enhanced mold inhibition, extending bread shelf life by up to 29 days compared to polyethylene (PE).
• The synthesized Ch/DES films exhibited competitive mechanical properties, with tensile strength up to 26 MPa and elongation at break up to 210%.
• The developed films show potential as effective and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.

Conclusions:

• Deep eutectic solvents are effective plasticizers for chitosan films, enhancing their functional properties.
• Chitosan-based films with DES offer a promising bio-based and biodegradable solution for food packaging.
• This research aligns with green chemistry principles, contributing to reduced plastic waste and improved food preservation.