The effect of electrospun polylactic acid/chitosan nanofibers on the low density polyethylene/ploy lactic acid film as bilayer antibacterial active packaging films

Abstract

Bilayer antibacterial films were prepared using electrospun polylactic acid (PLA)/chitosan (Ch) nanofiber on low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/PLA films. Blends of Ch and PLA with the selected ratios of 5.0%, 10.0%, 15.0%, and 20.0% Ch were electrospun on the surface of LDPE/PLA composite film. Scanning electron microscopic images indicated a smooth and bead-free surface for all composite nanofibers with a diameter range from 50–200 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectra depict the presence of PLA and CH in the nanofiber. Hydrophobicity analysis showed that the PLA/Ch layer increase the hydrophobicity of bilayer films. The water vapor permeabilities of bilayer films were lower than those of LDPE/PLA film. The presence of PLA/Ch nanofiber layer resulted in the reduction in the oxygen permeability of bilayer films. When Ch content reached 10.0%, the bilayer films showed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Novelty impact statement Blends of chitosan and polylactic acid (PLA) was electrospun on to the surface of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/PLA film to produce bilayer antibacterial films. Electrospun nanofiber layers improved the antibacterial properties of the films and also reduced the oxygen and water vapor permeability levels of LDPE/PLA composite films without major interferences with their intrinsic physical and barrier properties.