Preparation, Physicochemical Characterizations, and the Antioxidant Activity of the Biopolymer Films Based on Modified Chitosan with Starch, Gelatin, and Plasticizers

By : Mohamed E. I. Badawy, Mahmoud A. M. El-Nouby, Entsar I. Rabea

Page No: 17-32

Abstract
A series of active composite biopolymers films were prepared by casting the composite polymers of 2% chitosan with gelatin or starch (2 and 5% for each polymer) with different concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol (1, 2, 5, and 10%, w/w) as plasticizers. Effect of gelatin, starch, and plasticizers on the film properties was determined by measuring their physical properties, and antioxidant activity. The appearance and cross-sectional characteristics by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed good crosslinking and compatibility, generating the desired miscibility between the biopolymers. The results suggested that the incorporation of gelatin or starch in blending with plasticizers into chitosan films improved the swelling, water vapor permeability (WVP), and the antioxidant activity of the films. This study showed the benefits of the combination of such components into chitosan films and the potential for using them as active packaging materials or coatings in agriculture and food products.

Authors :
Mohamed E. I. Badawy and Mahmoud A. M. El-Nouby : Department of Pesticide Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, 21545-El-Shatby, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Entsar I. Rabea : Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, 22516-Damanhour, Egypt.