Fabrication of chitosan-based functional nanocomposite films: Effect of quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (QCNP) were prepared using a simple one-pot chemical reaction and used to prepare chitosan-based bioactive packaging films. The QCNP was characterized using analytical methods. The QCNP-added chitosan film was yellowish and exhibited a light transmittance of >83% with excellent UV blocking properties. The addition of QCNP significantly influenced the physical properties such as mechanical, thermal, and water vapor barrier properties of the film. The release of quercetin from QCNP-added chitosan films was investigated using several food simulant solutions. Quercetin showed higher release under acidic and alcoholic conditions. In addition, the fabricated films exhibited potent antioxidant activity and some antibacterial activity. The developed functional chitosan/QCNP-based films with excellent physical and functional properties can be promising for active food packaging applications.