Antibacterial chitosan-Dioscorea alata starch film enriched with essential oils optimally prepared by following response surface methodology

Abstract

Numerous endeavours have been developed bio-based polymer packaging films to replace the use of petroleum-based packaging. In this study, as a response and support to the enduring research issues, we have developed the optimization composite film formulation based on chitosan (2%), Dioscorea alata starch (0.5%), and glycerol (1.5%) had satisfactory result on several parameters consisting thickness (0.45 mm), solubility (472.1%), moisture content (29.872%), biodegradability (38.346%), elastic modulus (971.2 N/m2) and tensile strength (98.71 N/m). Further, the optimized chitosan film (CF) formulation was enriched with several essential oils (EO), i.e., lemongrass, garlic and aloe vera oil. Upon the addition of EO, the solubility, biodegradable tests, and elongation to break of CF tended to decrease whereas the contact angle and mechanical properties significantly increased. Finally, the antibacterial properties of CF against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis dramatically increased by the addition of EO. These impressive results are expected to be applied in the food packaging industry to maintain the quality of food products.