Fabrication and characterization of composite film based on gelatin and electrospun cellulose acetate fibers incorporating essential oil

Abstract

In this research, Oliveria decumbens Vent essential oil (OEO) at 0–45% w/w was encapsulated in cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun fibers and then incorporated in gelatin-based films. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed more uniform and compact surface in the neat gelatin film in comparison to the CA fiber loaded composite ones and microfibers were perpendicular to the fracture surface. The composites showed higher tensile strength (1.3–2.6 MPa) and lower elongation (less than 1%) than the pure gelatin film. Water solubility of the composites were significantly lower than the gelatin film (81% VS. ≈50%). The water vapor permeability (WVP) of composites was higher than the gelatin film probably due to microscopic pinholes induced by fibers, however WVP slightly decreased by increasing OEO. The contact angle values from 79.9 to 101.5° indicating increase of hydrophobicity by incorporating the CA fibers. Inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus (13.33 mm) confirmed the antibacterial activity of composites. It can be concluded that the composite gelatin films incorporating EO-loaded electrospun fibers could enhance the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the composites despite increasing WVP, thus they could be potentially used for food active packaging purposes.