Development and characterization of chitosan blended bacterial cellulose film

In order to develop a bio-degradable food packaging film combined the preservative functions of antimicrobials; the chitosan/bacterial cellulose (CBC) composite film was developed by blending the chitosan in acetic acid solution and bacterial cellulose (BC) slurry. The composite bio-films were prepared by casting method and were characterized for physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties. It was found that the physical and mechanical properties of CBC films were improved in comparison to those of the chitosan pure film, which was remarkably dependent on molecular weight of chitosan and the amount of BC content. The FTIR result indicated the intermolecular interaction between chitosan and BC. The crystallinity and the water absorption capacity were also enhanced with the BC content up to the weight ratio of chitosan: BC around 10:6-10:8. The CBC film exhibited the antimicrobial activity against the gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. It was shown that the modified CBC film structure and interactions in ionic-crosslinked chitosan combined with interactions with BC fibril networks were effective for the control and limit of chitosan release from the CBC films. The modified chitosan films by blending with BC show the benefit properties for further development as food packaging material.