Chitosan-based packaging films with an integrated antimicrobial peptide: Characterization, in vitro release and application to fresh pork preservation

Abstract

Chitosan (CS) films were developed incorporating peptide HX-12C. The films were studied to determine their microstructures, physical properties, release properties of peptide HX-12C and functional properties. The results indicated that there may be hydrogen bonding interactions between CS and peptide HX-12C, thereby creating a homogeneous internal microstructure and lower crystallinity (10.8–12.8 %). Compared with CS film, CS-HX-12C films displayed lower light transmission, MC (20.8–19.9 %), WVP (8.82–8.59 × 10−11·g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1), OTR (0.015–0.037 cc/(m2.day)) and higher WS (15.7–32.4 %) values. Moreover, controlled-release experiments showed that pH, ionic strength and temperature could all significantly affect the release of peptide HX-12C from the films. Finally, the increase of pH value and TVC and lipid oxidation of fresh pork were delayed due to the treatment with CS-2%HX-12C film. However, incorporating peptide HX-12C into CS films did not improve the mechanical properties of the films and their effects against protein oxidation. Our results suggest that the CS-based antimicrobial packaging films integrated with peptide HX-12C exhibit the potential for fresh pork preservation.