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Formulation and Characterization of Chitosan Films Incorporating Hawthorn Polyphenolic Extracts via Natural Deep
Oana Ciocirlan1, Adina Gavrila1, Gabriela Isopencu1
1Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 132 Calea Grivitei, 010737 Bucharest, Romania.
Polymers
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Biodegradable chitosan films plasticized with natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) show enhanced flexibility and UV barrier properties. Incorporating hawthorn extract boosts antioxidant activity, suggesting potential for sustainable active packaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Chitosan (CS) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for active packaging.
- Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) offer tunable properties for material modification.
- Hawthorn extract contains bioactive polyphenols with antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop biodegradable chitosan films plasticized with NaDES.
- To incorporate hawthorn extract into CS films for enhanced functionality.
- To evaluate the mechanical, barrier, and antioxidant properties of the developed films.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan films were plasticized using choline chloride and glycolic acid-based NaDES.
- Hawthorn extract was prepared using NaDES and incorporated into the CS matrix.
- Mechanical properties (Young's modulus, tensile strength) were assessed via stress-strain analysis.
- Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and morphological analysis were performed.
- UV-Vis spectroscopy and DPPH radical scavenging assays evaluated optical and antioxidant properties.
Main Results:
- Optimal mechanical and barrier properties were achieved with 50 wt% NaDES content.
- NaDES significantly enhanced film flexibility, reducing Young's modulus and tensile strength.
- FTIR confirmed hydrogen bonding between CS and NaDES, and successful extract integration.
- Films exhibited strong UV absorption, with extract-loaded films extending into UVA/visible ranges.
- Antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH assay, nearly doubled in extract-loaded films.
Conclusions:
- NaDES effectively plasticized chitosan films, improving flexibility and processability.
- Incorporation of hawthorn extract enhanced UV barrier and antioxidant properties.
- These biodegradable CS-NaDES films show promise for sustainable active packaging.
