Cross-Linked Effects by Genipin on Physicochemical Properties of Chitosan Film

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of cross-linked reaction on physicochemical properties of chitosan film by using genipin as cross-linker agent. Series of chitosan film samples with different amount concentration of genipin loaded (0-3 wt %) were prepared and characterized. The physicochemical properties of films were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR), UV-vis spectroscopy, Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), water vapour and tensile test. The cross-linking reaction had affected on colour changing of chitosan film samples from light yellow to dark blue in line with the increasing of genipin concentration. Thus, UV-vis spectroscopy on the cross-linked samples showed the absorbance value at 600 nm wavelength due to genipin content. FTIR observation on cross-linked film samples showed no characteristic of –OCH3 peak from genipin at 1444 cm-1 which resulted by new covalent bonding occurred between chitosan and genipin. Cross-linking also had increased the oxygen barrier and reduced the water vapor rate through the film. Chitosan film sample with addition of 1 wt% genipin achieved the highest tensile stress average at 49.46 MPa compared to other samples while percent of elongation at break reduced with the increasing of genipin concentration loaded