Abstract
Biodegradable polymers are gaining interest as antimicrobial carriers in active packaging. In the present study, two active films based on chitosan (1.5% w/v) and methylcellulose (3% w/v) enriched with natamycin were prepared by casting. The antimicrobial’s release behavior was evaluated by immersion of the films in 95% ethanol (v/v) at different temperatures. The natamycin content in the food simulant was determined by reversed-high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The apparent diffusion (DP) and partition (KP/S) coefficients were calculated using a mathematical model based on Fick’s Second Law. Results showed that the release of natamycin from chitosan based film (DP = 3.61 × 10−13 cm2/s) was slower, when compared with methylcellulose film (DP = 3.20 × 10−8 cm2/s) at the same temperature (p < 0.05). To evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of active films, cheese samples were completely covered with the films, stored at 20 °C for 7 days, and then analyzed for moulds and yeasts. Microbiological analyses showed a significant reduction in yeasts and moulds (7.91 log CFU/g) in samples treated with chitosan active films (p < 0.05). The good compatibility of natamycin with chitosan, the low Dp, and antimicrobial properties suggested that the film could be favorably used in antimicrobial packagings.
Highlights
Chitosan is a natural weak cationic polysaccharide, derived from deacetylation of chitin, which is the major component of the shells of crustaceans such as crab, shrimp, and crawfish [2,12]
Natamycin was provided by Sigma (Steinheim, Germany)
A significant reduction in yeast and mould was observed in cheese samples treated with chitosan films containing natamycin (p < 0.05)
Summary
Bio-based packaging materials can be created on the basis of polymers directly extracted/removed from natural materials [10] Elaboration of these films and coatings has been possible thanks to the filmogenic capacity of natural biopolymers, which have a good aptitude for forming a continuous and cohesive matrix with adequate mechanical properties [10,11]. Chitosan is a natural weak cationic polysaccharide, derived from deacetylation of chitin, which is the major component of the shells of crustaceans such as crab, shrimp, and crawfish [2,12]. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, biofunctional, and biocompatible [13,14]. Chitosan-based films have good mechanical properties, and has some
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