Comparative physical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of films prepared by dissolving chitosan in bioactive vinegar varieties

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2023-07, Vol.242 (Pt 1), p.124735-124735, Article 124735
• Main Authors: Adımcılar, Veselina, Kalaycıoğlu, Zeynep, Akın-Evingür, Gülşen, Torlak, Emrah, Erim, F. Bedia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetic Acid; Anti-Infective Agents - chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology; Antioxidants - chemistry; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Apple; Chitosan - chemistry; Food packaging; Food Packaging - methods; Grape; Hawthorn; Pomegranate; Solvents
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124735

Solvent casting following the dissolution of chitosan in aqueous acetic acid is the most widely used method for preparing chitosan films. In this study, an economical and practical way is proposed to improve the physicochemical properties of chitosan films by using vinegar varieties both as solvents and as bioactive additives to improve the properties of the films. Chitosan films were prepared by dissolving chitosan in pomegranate, grape, apple, and hawthorn vinegar. Vinegar contains bioactive phenolics and different organic acids together with acetic acid, depending on the main raw material from which it is obtained. The films' mechanical, optical properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were compared with each other and with the chitosan film prepared by dissolving chitosan in acetic acid. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of chitosan films prepared with vinegar increased. The use of vinegar as a solvent increased the UV light barrier properties of the films. Improved antimicrobial, antioxidant, optical, and elastic properties of films prepared by dissolving chitosan in vinegar varieties are promising in applications of these films as potential and economic food packaging materials. [Display omitted] •Biopolymer films were prepared by dissolving chitosan in 4 types of fruit vinegar.•Enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films were obtained.•The films showed differentiated optical and elastic properties.•Chitosan films prepared with vinegar are promising food packaging materials.