Chitosan–pullulan films enriched with Artemisia annua essential oil: Characterization and application in grape preservation

Abstract

Composite films were prepared using a flow casting method, with chitosan and pullulan as film-forming agents and Artemisia annua essential oil as the UV absorber. The utility of the composite films for preserving grape berries was assessed. The effect of the added Artemisia annua essential oil on the physicochemical properties of the composite film was investigated to determine the optimal amount of essential oil that should be added to the composite film. When the Artemisia annua essential oil content was 0.8 %, the elongation at break of the composite film increased to 71.25 ± 2.87 % and the water vapor transmission rate decreased to 0.378 ± 0.007 g‧mm/(m2‧h‧kpa). The transmittance of the composite film was almost 0 % in the UV region (200–280 nm) and <30 % in the visible light region (380–800 nm), reflecting the UV absorption by the composite film. Additionally, the composite film extended the storage time of the grape berries. Therefore, the composite film containing Artemisia annua essential oil may be a promising fruit packaging material.