Capsicum-extract blended chitosan composite films and studying their antibacterial properties

Abstract

Capsicum extract at different concentrations (0.5–3.0 ml) was blended with a chitosan polymer to obtain the composite films. It was compared with the pristine film to examine their antioxidant, mechanical, barrier, biodegradability, stability and antimicrobial properties. The morphology of the films was studied using a scanning electron microscope. From the obtained results, it was observed that the antioxidant, mechanical, biodegradability, stability and antimicrobial properties were enhanced when compared to the other films. The barrier properties of the composite films showed a decrease in activity when compared to the pure chitosan film. It may be due to the incorporation of a capsicum extract agent into the chitosan polymer matrix which plays a vital role in enhancing the overall properties.