Development and characterization of antioxidant active packaging and intelligent Al3+-sensing films based on carboxymethyl chitosan and quercetin

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2019-04, Vol.126, p.1074-1084
• Main Authors: Bai, Ruyu, Zhang, Xin, Yong, Huimin, Wang, Xingchi, Liu, Yunpeng, Liu, Jun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Al3+-sensing; Antioxidant potential; Carboxymethyl chitosan; Composite film; Quercetin
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.264

Different amounts of quercetin were mixed with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) to develop novel antioxidant active packaging and intelligent Al3+-sensing films. The physical properties, structure, antioxidant and Al3+-sensing abilities of CMCS-quercetin composite films were investigated. Results showed CMCS-quercetin composite films presented a dark yellowish color. When compared with CMCS film, CMCS-quercetin composite films containing 5 and 7.5 wt% of quercetin on CMCS basis exhibited higher thicknesses, opacity and thermal stability; however, presented lower moisture contents, UV–vis light transmittance and elongation at break. Besides, the incorporation of quercetin could not significantly change the water solubility and water vapor barrier property of CMCS film. Morphological observation showed the surface of CMCS-quercetin composite film became coarse when 7.5 wt% of quercetin was incorporated. Infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns of CMCS-quercetin composite films further indicated quercetin was compatible with CMCS. Importantly, CMCS-quercetin composite films could sustainably release antioxidant ability into aqueous and fatty food stimulants. Moreover, CMCS-quercetin composite films were sensitive to Al3+. The color and UV–vis absorption patterns of CMCS-quercetin composite films were changed by the addition of Al3+. Results suggested that CMCS-quercetin composite films could be used as novel antioxidant and intelligent Al3+-sensing materials in food packaging. •Carboxymethyl chitosan-quercetin composite films were developed by casting.•Quercetin addition affected film's color, light transmission and elongation at break.•Composite film containing 5 wt% of quercetin exhibited the best physical property.•Composite films could release antioxidant ability into aqueous and fat food simulants.•Composite films presented variations in color and UV–vis absorption spectra to Al3+.