Comparative analysis of blend and bilayer films based on chitosan and gelatin enriched with LAE (lauroyl arginate ethyl) with antimicrobial activity for food packaging applications

Blend and bilayer bio-based active films were developed by solvent casting technique, using chitosan (CS) and gelatin (GL) as biopolymers, glycerol as a plasticizer and lauroyl arginate ethyl (LAE) as an antimicrobial compound. Blend films had higher tensile strength and elastic modulus and lower water vapor permeability than bilayer films (p < 0.05). Bilayer films demonstrated as effective barriers against UV light and showed lower transparency values (p < 0.05). FT-IR spectra indicated that interactions existed between CS and GL due to electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bond formation. However, the addition of LAE did not interfere in the network structure. Active films incorporated with LAE (0.1%, v/v) inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coll., Salmonella typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni. This study highlighted the development of blend and bilayer bio-based active films based on CS and GL enriched with LAE for food packaging applications with improved physical, mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties.