Evaluation of Biopolymer Films Containing Silver–Chitosan Nanocomposites

Abstract

Chitosan (commercial and shrimp)–silver active agent nanocomposites (Ag–CC–NCs and Ag–SC–NCs) for inclusion in biopolymer films were synthetized in this study and characterized (mechanical, optical, transport, and structural properties and the in vitro antifungal activity). The hydrocolloid was integrated into linseed mucilage (LMF) commercial chitosan (CCF) and shrimp chitosan (SCF) films. The films were transparent, smooth, and continuous. The incorporation of Ag–CC–NCs or Ag–SC–NCs did not modify the film strength but did modify film elasticity. Based on the morphological characterization, the nanocomposites had a spherical shape (100 to 250 nm diameter). The LMF + Ag–SC–NCs film showed the highest water solubility (85.7%). The water vapor permeability increased with the addition of Ag–NCs–chitosan reaching the CCF-based films higher permeabilities (5.491–3.953 g/Pa.s.m × 1010), which indicates that they could be used in foods with high moisture content. The differences between treatments are indicative of the various applications that films can have in foods of different natures.