Preparation and characterization of active packaging film containing chitosan/gelatin/brassica crude extract

Chitosan (CS), gelatin (GE), and brassica (BR) were utilized as the primary components to develop an active packaging film with outstanding properties. Active film-forming solutions were prepared using the solution casting method to produce these films. The resulting active films were characterized through various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and light transmittance (T%), opacity, water solubility (WS), water vapour transmittance rate (WVTR), oxygen permeability (OP), mechanical properties, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Orthogonal test results indicated that the optimal preparation ratio for the composite film was achieved with 2.5 g CS, 3.5 g GE, 6 g glycerol (GL) dissolved in distilled water. Under these conditions, the active packaging film exhibited excellent mechanical properties. In summary, the chitosan/gelatin/brassica crude extract-based active packaging film developed in this study presents a promising option for practical applications.