Characterization of alginate-chitosan membrane as potential edible film

Abstract

Alginate-chitosan based biopolymer for possible application as edible film coating has been studied. Alginate hydrosol and chitosan hydrosol with mass ratio of 1:1 were mixed to form a thin membrane and then dried. The obtained alginate-chitosan membrane was confirmed using FTIR spectrophotometers. Characterization of the membrane, which includes thickness, tensile strength, water vapor sorption, resistance to pH change and antimicrobials properties, were conducted. It was showed that the interaction of alginate and chitosan in the membrane occurred through the electrostatic interaction of the carboxylic group of alginate and ammonium groups of chitosan. At the same thickness, the alginate-chitosan membrane tensile strength was higher and more resistant to pH changes than both native alginate and chitosan membranes. Furthermore, the alginate-chitosan membrane has good antibacterial potential against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). It is expected that the alginate-chitosan membrane has the potential application for safe and efficient fruit coating.