Edible film based on chitosan incorporated with Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. leaf extract

The purpose of the study was to prepare and characterise the potential edible packaging films based on chitosan and Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. leaf extract (SCELE) into matrix.

The incorporation of SCELE into Chitosan matrix was conducted with various contents (1–3 % wt) and the chitosan-based film samples were investigated. The effects of SCELE on the physical properties and antimicrobial activity of samples were also characterised.

The Vietnamese banana fruit was chosen for food preservation and the appearance of banana coated with and without chitosan-based composite films was evaluated. The results indicated that the presence of SCELE can improve the antimicrobial activities and water vapor barriers while a significant decrease in light transmittance was found. Furthermore, the tensile strength and thermal stability were not affected by the addition of 2 % wt SCELE.

Potential application for active edible food packaging

Bananas coated with composite film based on chitosan matrix and SCELE had longer life time than control sample and those coated with pure chitosan film, indicating that the combination of SCELE into chitosan matrix brings potential application for active edible food packaging.

The study has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 140, March 2020.

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