Ionically Crosslinked Chitosan/Tragacanth Gum Based Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Antimicrobial Biopackaging Applications

The novel polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) were prepared by mixing different Wt% of Tragacanth gum (TG) to Chitosan (CS) and systematic evaluation of multifunctional properties of colloidal solution and films was carried out. The formation of PEC was dependant on the order of mixing of solutions. Particle size analysis, Zeta potential and FTIR confirmed the formation of PEC. SEM studies revealed the homogeneous distribution of colloidal particles on the surface. Contact angle analysis, water solubility, and moisture adsorption studies revealed the hydrophobicity of films. Further, the water vapor transmission rate and oxygen permeability of the control film was improved significantly and found to be in the range of polyethylene terephthalate by ionic crosslinking of TG and CS. Ionic crosslinking significantly enhanced antibacterial, antioxidant activity and rate of degradation in soil. Obtained biofilms exhibited far better preservation ability than commercial polyethylene films. Hence, biofilms could be used in antimicrobial packaging applications. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

In this study, novel polyelectrolyte complexes were prepared by mixing Tragacanth gum and Chitosan. The properties of the colloidal solution and films were systematically evaluated. The results showed that the water resistance and permeability of the films were significantly improved by ionic crosslinking, and they exhibited excellent antibacterial and antioxidant activities.