Chitosan Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Synergistic antibacterial and anticancer activity in gadolinium–chitosan nanocomposite films: A novel approach for biomedical applications

Driven by the continuous search for materials with antibacterial and anticancer applications, this study focuses on the fabrication of nanocomposite films using chitosan as the basis material, with the addition of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles at varying weight percentages (5 and 10 wt.% Gd2O3/CS). The films were made using the coprecipitation‐solution cast approach. The structural characteristics of the Gd2O3/CS films that were formed were investigated and confirmed using a range of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The X‐ray diffraction study provided unambiguous evidence of an increased degree of crystallinity in chitosan with the inclusion of gadolinia. The particle size was determined using the Debye–Scherrer formula, resulting in an estimated value of 36 nm. Following this, a thorough examination was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness against one strain of Gram‐positive bacteria and two strains of Gram‐negative bacteria. Our research has revealed that the efficacy of the inspected Gd2O3/CS as bactericides is superior to that of CS alone. Furthermore, the MCF‐7, HCT‐116, and HepG‐2 cell lines exhibited anticancer activity when exposed to the Gd2O3/CS nanocomposites. In addition, nanocomposites exhibit significant antioxidant activity in comparison with the conventional vitamin C. These findings provide evidence for the viability of our nanocomposites in combating breast cancer.

Effects of oregano essential oil Pickering emulsion and ZnO nanoparticles on the properties and antibacterial activity of konjac glucomannan/carboxymethyl chitosan nanocomposite films.

Green and environmentally friendly natural bio-based food packaging films are increasingly favored by consumers. This study incorporated carboxylated-cellulose nanocrystal stabilized oregano essential oil (OEO) Pickering emulsion and ZnO nanoparticles (ZNPs) into konjac glucomannan (KGM)/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) complexes to develop active food packaging films. The effects of OEO Pickering emulsion and ZNPs on the physical, structural, and antimicrobial activities of the nanocomposite films were evaluated. The OEO Pickering emulsion had a droplet size of 48.43 ± 3.56 μm and showed excellent dispersion and stability. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analyses suggested that the interactions between the Pickering emulsion, ZNPs and KGM/CMCS matrix were mainly through hydrogen bonding. SEM observations confirmed that the Pickering emulsion and ZNPs were well incorporated into the KGM/CMCS matrix, forming tiny pores within the nanocomposite films. The incorporation of the OEO Pickering emulsion and/or ZNPs obviously increased the light and water vapor barrier ability, thermal stability, mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties of the KGM/CMCS nanocomposite film. Notably, KGM/CMCS/ZNPs/OEO Pickering emulsion films exhibited the highest barrier, and mechanical and antimicrobial activities due to the synergistic effect between the OEO Pickering emulsion and ZNPs. These results suggest that KGM/CMCS/ZNPs/OEO Pickering emulsion films can be utilized as novel active food packaging materials to extend the shelf life of packaged foods.

Effect of cellulose nanofibrils on vancomycin drug release from chitosan nanocomposite films

Overuse of antibiotic drugs usually leads to the further development of resistance to targeted bacteria. In this context, a controlled release system could be a solution to achieve higher drug efficiency without overdosing and drug resistance. In this work, nanocomposite films based on chitosan (CHI) reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) for antibiotic release were prepared and characterized. Several nanocomposite films containing vancomycin hydrochloride and different amounts of CNF (5, 10, and 20 wt%) were prepared by the solvent casting method. Spectroscopic (FTIR), thermal (TG), morphological (SEM), mechanical, and swelling analyses of the films were performed to study the effect of nanofibers content on the nanocomposite properties. A good dispersion of CNF and the model drug was observed in the CHI matrix. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the interaction between the film components (CNF and CHI). Film swelling capacity decreased with an increase of CNF content in the film formulation, whereas stiffness and tensile strength of the film increased. In addition, vancomycin release at pH = 7.4 was studied, and it was observed that controlled slower release could be achieved by tuning the CNF content in the chitosan film. The results confirm that these films could be useful for pharmaceutical purposes where the controlled release of drugs is required.

Turmeric carbon quantum dots enhanced chitosan nanocomposite films based on photodynamic inactivation technology for antibacterial food packaging

The increased demand for food quality and safety has led the food industry to pay urgent attention to new packaging materials with antimicrobial activity. In this study, we combined photodynamic inactivation of bactericidal technology in food packaging materials by incorporating fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CDs) prepared from the natural plant turmeric into a chitosan matrix to prepare a series of active composite food packaging films (CDs-CS). The chitosan film containing CDs had better mechanical properties, UV protection and hydrophobicity. Under irradiation with a 405 nm light source, the composite film was able to produce abundant reactive oxygen species, and the CDs-CS2 film exhibited reductions of approximately 3.19 and 2.05 Log10 CFU/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively within 40 min. In cold pork storage applications, CDs-CS2 films showed inhibition of the growth of colonization in pork and retarded the spoilage of pork within 10 days. This work will provide new insights to explore safe and efficient antimicrobial food packaging.

Metal-free and fully recoverable MWCNT/g-C3N4 /chitosan nanocomposite thin film with excellent photocatalytic activity against organic pollutant degradation

The hybrid MWCNTs/g-C3N4/CS (Chitosan) NCTF (Nanocomposites Thin Film) was prepared successfully utilising a simple solution casting approach. The growth of a sheet-like structure of NCTF was predicted by SEM and TEM pictures, and XRD corroborated this. The MWCNTs/g-C3N4/CS NCTF showed better photocatalytic activity in visible light phenol degradation. SEM and TEM investigations indicated that increases in charge segregation, nanotube and nanosheet shape, and other parameters accounted for the improved photocatalytic activity. It is essential to highlight that the MWCNTs/g-C3N4/CS NCTF photocatalyst is an excellent catalyst for eliminating pollutants when exposed to visible light. In the fifth cycle, the photocatalyst can get rid of more than 80% of the phenol. The results of the stability and reusability tests indicate that the catalyst is long-lasting and may be reused on multiple times.

Boron nitride embedded in chitosan hydrogel as a hydrophobic, promising metal-free, sustainable antibacterial material

Evaporation-induced co-assembly of boron nitride-exfoliated chitosan hydrogel provides micrometer-thick boron nitride-filled chitosan nanocomposite films.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Basil Essential Oil-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes in Chitosan Nanocomposite Film and Its Application in Food Packaging.

Increasing health concerns regarding the use of plasticware have led to the development of ecofriendly biodegradable packaging film from natural polymer and food additives. In the present study, basil essential oil (BEO) loaded halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composite films were synthesized using a solution casting method. The effects of BEO and nanotube concentration on the mechanical, physical, structural, barrier, and antioxidant properties of films were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) demonstrated well-dispersed HNTs and BEO in tailored composite films. The addition of BEO in Chitosan (Ch) film caused darkening of the film color; furthermore, the incorporation of HNTs in varied concentrations increased opaqueness in Ch/BEO film. The Ch/BEO film, upon adding HNTs 5-30 wt%, exhibited a corresponding increase in the film thickness (0.108-0.135 mm) when compared with the Ch/BEO film alone (0.081 mm). The BEO-loaded HNTs composite films displayed reduced moisture content and characteristic barrier and UV properties. The Ch/BEO film with 15 wt% HNTs was found to have enhanced antioxidant activity. The Ch/BEO/HNTs composite also managed to prevent broccoli florets from losing weight and firmness during storage. The enhanced barrier and antioxidant qualities of the nanocomposite film suggest its potential application in the food processing and packaging sector. This is the first ever report on the fabrication of nanocomposite film using BEO and HNTs for food packaging. The low production cost and ecofriendly approach make the film acceptable for further research and commercialization thereafter.

Insights into chitosan-based cellulose nanowhiskers reinforced nanocomposite material via deep eutectic solvent in green chemistry

In the present work, the synthesis of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW)/chitosan nanocomposite films via deep eutectic solvents (DES) changing the chemical structures were carried out. It was observed that a pure chitosan film has broadband at 3180-3400 cm−1, indicating amide and hydroxyl groups. Upon CNW incorporation, the peak gets sharper and stronger and shifts to a greater wavelength. Further, the addition of DES infuses more elements of amide into the nanocomposite films. Moreover, the mechanical properties incorporating CNW filler into a chitosan matrix show an enhancement in tensile strength (TS), Young's modulus (YM), and elongation at break. The TS and YM increase while the elongation decrease as the CNW concentration increases. The YM of biocomposite films is increased to 723 MPa at 25% CNW into chitosan films. Besides, the TS has enhanced to 11.48 MPa at 15% CNW concentration in the biocomposite films. The elongation at break has decreased to 11.7% at 25% CNW concentration. Hence, incorporating CNW into the chitosan matrix via DES can still improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films. Therefore, the application of DES results in a lower YM and TS as the films are hygroscopic. In conclusion, DES can be considered the new green solvent media for synthesizing materials. It has the potential to replace ionic liquids due to its biodegradability and non-toxic properties while preserving the character of low-vapour pressure. Besides that, chitosan can be used as potential material for applications in process industries, such as the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, DES can be used as a green solvent and aim to reduce the toxic effect of chemicals on the environment during chemical production.

Nanoscale viscoelasticity characterization of engineered organometallic nanocomposite thin films for biomedical applications

This work is focused on nanoscale viscoelastic properties characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) reinforced chitosan nanocomposites using nanoindentation. Chitosan nanocomposite films reinforced with gold nanoparticles concentration (w/v) up to 0.25 mg/ml in chitosan were prepared via a solution evaporation technique. Creep and stress relaxation responses were modeled using the generalized Voigt model and the generalized Maxwell model, respectively. Nanoindentation experimental data were analyzed using these models to obtain model constants. Both displacement- and load-controlled ramp functions were used to indent the samples with a 100 µm conospherical indenter tip. The moduli increased with an increase in AuNPs concentration in chitosan. The plasticity index increased with an increase in AuNPs concentration indicating that the deformation became more plastic with an increase in the filler. The results also show the time-dependent viscous response of the nanocomposite is mainly governed by the response of the matrix because the characteristic time scales of the nanocomposite films are independent of the AuNPs concentration.

Plasmonic features of free-standing chitosan nanocomposite film with silver and graphene oxide for SERS applications

A scalable procedure of SERS substrates design was developed using a novel plasmonic structure based on a freestanding chitosan film, silver nanoparticles, and graphene oxide. Chitosan provides a uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles from a colloidal suspension and, therefore, a reproducible Raman signal from local areas of measurements of several tens of microns. The addition of graphene oxide (GO) to the colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles suppresses the tortuous background fluorescence signal from the analyte and leads to an increase in the signal-to-fluorescence background intensity ratio by up to 6 times as compared to structures without GO. The manufactured plasmonic polymer nanocomposite provides a detection limit of down to 100 pM for R6G using a laser wavelength of 532 nm through a portable ×10 objective. The high colloidal stability of GO in water and the use of an aqueous colloid of silver nanoparticles simplify the procedure for creating a substrate by applying the GO-silver composite on the surface of a chitosan film without a need to form a GO film. Therefore, our approach paves a promising avenue to provide more sensitive detection even for the fluorescent analytes with short-wavelength lasers (532, 633 nm) instead of IR (785, 1024 nm) and foster the practical application of the developed plasmonic composites on portable Raman spectrometers.

Potential of chitosan/carbon nanoparticles and chitosan/lignocellulose nanofiber composite as growth media for peatland paddy seeds

Indonesia has committed to restoring degraded peatlands by revegetating them with paddy plants using paludiculture systems. Nanofertilizers derived from chitosan and oil palm biomass can be used to enhance paddy growth. This study analyzed the potential growth media of chitosan nanocomposite films for paddy seeds grown in tropical peatland. Chitosan nanocomposites were synthesized by reinforcing chitosan with activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs), nonactivated carbon nanoparticles (n-ACNPs), and lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs). All carbon nanoparticles were reversibly aggregated, whereas LCNFs did not have a tendency to aggregate but were entangled. The highest specific surface area and pore volume are on EFB ACNPs, followed by OPT LCNFs and EFB n-ACNPs. Both nanocomposites' tensile strength and elastic modulus value were reduced with an average of 45.77% and 34.00%, respectively, because of the lack of nano- and micro-aggregates formation, good dispersion, and incompatibility. In a germination test, chitosan nanocomposites provided the best growth patterns for the Dendang paddy variety, whereas, in a greenhouse test, the nanocomposites had the best growth patterns for the Indragiri paddy variety. Chitosan/empty fruit bunch ACNP nanocomposites grown in a germinator had the highest growth normality (100.00%), highest maximum growth potential (100.00%), and highest height average (11.27 cm). In the greenhouse test, chitosan/oil palm trunk n-ACNPs achieved the highest growth natality (16.44%) and growth rate (65.74%). All chitosan nanocomposites had a synergetic biofertilizing effect on fungi and mycorrhiza. Chitosan nanocomposites can be used as a growth regulator for peatland paddy varieties and can accelerate peatland restoration in tropical areas.

Synthesis of lignin nanoparticles employing acid precipitation method and its application to enhance the mechanical, UV-barrier and antioxidant properties of chitosan films

Lignin nanoparticles were obtained by a simple acid precipitation method from lignin KOH alkali solution and used as a reinforcing agent to prepare chitosan based lignin nanoparticles nanocomposite films. The effect of lignin nanoparticles concentrations (3, 5, 10, 15 and 30% v/v chitosan solution) on structural, mechanical, water vapor, ultra-violet light barrier, thermal and antioxidant properties of chitosan nanocomposite films was investigated. Particle size analysis reveals that the lignin nanoparticles are formed with an average size of 55 nm. The tensile strength and modulus were increased by 86 and 93%, respectively, in the presence of 15% of lignin nanoparticles compared to the values of chitosan film. The water vapor transmission rate of chitosan-lignin nanoparticles nanocomposite film reduced (32% for 15% LNPs) up to 15% concentrations. The ultraviolet barrier properties of the chitosan films were increased with an increase in the concentration of lignin nanoparticles. Lignin nanoparticles reinforced chitosan films were also significantly enhanced with antioxidant activity in comparison with neat chitosan film.

Investigation of galactomannan/deacetylated chitosan nanocomposite films and their anti-bacterial capabilities

The topic of edible packaging is still of interest to the food industry and other organizations funding research to solve packaging dilemmas. In this research, galactomannan (GM) was used as raw material and deacetylated chitosan (DC) was used as a modifier to prepare GM-based packaging films. The properties of films of different DC content were carefully studied. The obtained GM/DC nanocomposite films showed superior hydrophobicity of 107° and high tensile strength of 107 MPa. The nanocomposite films showed great antibacterial properties against different kinds of bacteria including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. When adding 60% of DC into GM, the antibacterial rate of GM/DC nanocomposite film against E. coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus, and S. pneumoniae reached 33%, 99%, 47%, and 92%. As the result, the GM/DC packaging film provides high potentials for future plastic packaging alternatives.

Biodegradable Hybrid Nanocomposite of Chitosan/Gelatin and Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Food Packaging.

In the context of emerging global concerns with synthetic plastic packaging, alternative natural biodegradable packaging materials are gaining increasing attention for food packaging applications. In this study, chitosan and gelatin nanocomposite hybrid films containing green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed and microstructural properties were studied. Antimicrobial activity of the developed films was evaluated using both Gram negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Green synthesis protocol was used for the precipitation of ZnO NPs using fruit extract of Cassia fistula. The as-synthesized polyhedral ZnO NPs were in the range of 20–40 nm (average size ≈29 nm). Reinforcement with ZnO NPs in the hybrid films lead to improved thermal stability, elongation-at-break (EAB), and compactness properties. The developed films with 2% and 4% ZnO NPs showed a smooth, compact, and heterogeneous surface morphology compared to the control (chitosan-gelatin hybrid) films. Disc diffusion assays showed that the nanocomposite film had significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The developed hybrid nanocomposite films have potential to be developed as biodegradable alternative for postharvest packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Coating of Chitosan Nanocomposite Film Using Plasma-Mediated Deposition of Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon (a–C:H) Layers

The substitution of petroleum-based polymers with naturally derived biopolymers may be a good alternative for the conservation of natural fossil resources and the alleviation of pollution and waste disposal problems. However, in order to be used in a wide range of applications, some biopolymers’ properties should be enhanced. In this study, biocompatible, non-toxic, and biodegradable chitosan (CS) film and CS reinforced with 10 wt% of cellulose nanocrystals (CN–CS) were coated with amorphous hydrogenated carbon layers (a–C:H) of different thickness. To investigate the effect of the nano-reinforcement on the a–C:H layer applied, mild radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) was used to coat the CS and its CN–CS bio-nanocomposite film. Both the surface characteristics and the chemical composition were analyzed. The surface morphology and wettability were examined by ex-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements (CA), respectively. Hereby, the relationship between sp2/sp3 ratios on a macroscopic scale was also evaluated. For the investigation of the chemical composition, the surface sensitive synchrotron X-ray radiation techniques near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) were used.

$$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ supported on chitosan for simple and easy recovery of visible light active efficient photocatalysts

To investigate the photocatalytic activities of heterogeneous systems under visible light, graphitic carbon nitride (g- $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4})$$ and chitosan (CS) were chosen as a model system. By solution cast method, $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ were embedded into a CS biopolymer matrix in this study. The purpose is to degrade methyl orange (MO) using a novel $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ /CS nanocomposite thin film. Using a visible light-equipped photoreactor with a tungsten incandescent lamp, photo-decolourization of dye was carried out. To catalyse the photodegradation of organic dye pollutant MO, a $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ /CS nanocomposite film photocatalyst was found to be successful and a recovery of 100% of the photocatalyst is achieved by a simple new hand-picking technique. Using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, detailed characterization was carried out. $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ /CS has high capacity and better photocatalytic activity compared to g- $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ and CS, because $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ possesses a larger surface area and CS has high absorption efficiency which is indicated by the photocatalytic discolouration of MO under visible light irradiation. The $$\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}$$ /CS nanocomposite thin film photocatalyst is regarded as an excellent catalyst with 98% degradation efficiency and is prepared by the simple solution cast method. The total organic carbon value was measured to be 86%. These values evidence that the mineralization of MO was carried out under these conditions.

In situ generation of silver nanoparticles and nanocomposite films based on electrodeposition of carboxylated chitosan

Herein, for the first time the electrodeposition of carboxylated chitosan is studied and utilized for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and generation of AgNPs/carboxylated chitosan nanocomposite films. Particularly, AgNPs are in situ synthesized on electrodes or substrates during the electrodeposition. Carboxylated chitosan not only acts as the green reducing agent and stabilizing agent for preparing AgNPs, but also serves as the main component in the electrodeposited nanocomposite film. The experimental results indicate that a smooth and homogeneous film is formed on the silver plate after electrodeposition, and the electrodeposited film can be detached from the silver plate as an independent film. The TEM observation and spectroscopic analysis results confirm the existence of AgNPs (the average size of 10 nm) in the nanocomposite film. The nanocomposite films with various shapes can be fabricated by the spatial selectivity of electrodeposition. In addition, the nanocomposite film containing AgNPs shows favorable antibacterial properties.

Highly capable and cost-effective chitosan nanocomposite films containing folic acid-functionalized layered double hydroxide and their in vitro bioactivity performance

Currently, bio-based resources and modern techniques with cost-effective routes have lots of interests in the biological process. Herein, environmentally-friendly, cost-efficient, and biologically active folic acid (FA) modified layered double hydroxide (LDH) was fabricated. Then, to characterize the effect of the FA molecule on the LDH structure, we prepared pure carbonated LDH (LDH-CO32-) as well. Increasing in the interlayer space from 0.76 nm for LDH-CO32- to 1.28 nm for FA-modified-LDH (FA-LDH) approved the accomplishment of the intercalation process. Based on thermal analysis, the retained mass of FA-LDH was lower than the pure LDH; corresponding to the influence of organic segments. Subsequently, homogeneous nanocomposite (NC) films containing FA-LDH nano-sheets and chitosan (CS) were fabricated. Although the NC films showed fragile form, their char yield was improved (maximum 19%) compared to the neat CS film. Contact angle measurement indicated an improvement in the wettability behavior and more hydrophilic property for the prepared CS NCs. In addition, we examined the bioactivity potential of these NC films through the immersing of them in simulated body fluid with pH = 7.4, and the changes of pH for this solution were recorded for 30 days. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses indicated the growth of hydroxyapatite [Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6] on the surface of the fabricated compounds. Accordingly, these NC films have great potential to be used in tissue engineering technology.

Electrodeposition of poly (vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) nanofiber reinforced chitosan nanocomposite film for electrochemically programmed release of protein

Here, we report that chitosan can mediate assembly of poly (vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE) nanofiber via a green and facile electrodeposition approach, and forming a nanocomposite film with enhanced mechanical property and pH-dependent permeability. Several measurements suggest the film growth (eg. thickness) is linearly correlated to the imposed charge transfer and can be well quantified by using a moving front model. Morphological observations reveal that the nanofibers are evenly distributed throughout of the films and formed with novel fiber/polymer architecture. Swelling ratio and water flux measurements indicate the film permeation property was greatly influenced by the nanofiber contents and environmental pH cues. The incorporated nanofiber leads to a higher protein loading capacity of 1.38 μg/cm2 (eg. Insulin) and allows a sustained release from the confined internal microporous structure over 24 h. In addition, above release behaviors can be programmed according to externally imposed electrical signals. Thus, coupling chitosan-mediated assembly of nanofibers with the electrochemically controlled release system provides great possibilities for multi-functional coatings and drug elution on conductive implants.

Release Kinetic Models of Vanillin and Physicomechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch and Chitosan Nanocomposite Films: Effects of Mixing Order

The effects of mixing sequence of starch–chitosan nanocomposite films on antimicrobial properties of vanillin, the release kinetics of vanillin, and physicomechanical changes of films have been reported. Four types of films were prepared based on the order of mixing. SC1: starch–glycerol–MMT–vanillin; SC2: starch–glycerol–chitosan–MMT–vanillin; SC3: starch–MMT–glycerol–vanillin–chitosan and SC4: starch–chitosan–glycerol–vanillin–MMT. All formulation exhibited high antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. enterica, and Z. bailii, except P. aeruginosa, which showed lower sensitivity. Migration dynamics of vanillin from films into simulants showed high vanillin migrated into water and 10% ethanol at 25 and 40 °C as analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The diffusion coefficients of vanillin in water ranged between 0.38 × 10−13m2 s−1 and 4.30 × 10−13m2 s−1 and in 10% ethanol between 1.38 × 10−13m2 s−1 and 5.16 × 10−13m2 s−1 following the Fickian diffusion mechanism and first-order kinetics. The diffusion was temperature-dependent following the Arrhenius equation with high activation energies of 15.00–52.80 kJmol−1 in water and 35.80–56.50 kJ mol−1 in 10% ethanol. The plot of the mass fraction of $${{m_{t} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{m_{t} } {m_{\infty } }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {m_{\infty } }}$$ against time for each sample shows the burst release of vanillin in between 30 min and 1 h and then attained the steady-state migration over 48 h. The plasticization effect of vanillin reduced the tensile strength and elastic modulus of films, while it increased the elongation at the break by 154% that was reversed after the addition of chitosan. These nanostructured starch films showed promising applications in the antimicrobial packaging industry.