Characterization of corn starch/chitosan composite films incorporated with amino-, carboxyl-，and hydroxyl-terminated hyperbranched dendrimers: A comparative study

Bio-based materials are gaining traction as sustainable plastic replacements, but their performance in terms of mechanics, antibacterial action, and water resistance is often subpar. Our research sought to enhance these attributes by integrating nanoscale dendrimers into a starch/chitosan (SC) matrix. We introduced three varieties of dendrimers-amino-, carboxyl-, and hydroxyl-terminated-at a modest 2.5 % w/w concentration to fabricate NSC, CSC, and HSC films. Comprehensive analyses revealed that the dendrimers fostered intermolecular interactions, prompting an order-disorder shift in the matrix. This interaction textured the film surface and bolstered its thickness, opacity, and tensile strength. The HSC films achieved the highest tensile strength (9.96 MPa) and substantial elongation (254.30 %), attributed to their more disordered structure. The HSC films also showcased enhanced thermal stability and reduced moisture absorption. Notably, NSC films exhibited excellent antibacterial effects against S. aureus and E. coli. The performance improvement of CSC film is mediocre. This study underscores the promise of dendrimer-fortified SC films in the realm of biodegradable materials.