Chitosan based edible film incorporating different Prunella L. extracts, characterization and their antioxidant properties

In this study, the production, characterization, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of chitosan-based edible and biodegradable films prepared with the Prunella grandiflora (PG), Prunella laciniata (PL), Prunella orientalis (PO), and Prunella vulgaris (PV) extracts were investigated. For extraction, Prunella L plants were placed in 70% (v/v) ethanol solution and extracted in a mixer. For the production of the films, 1, 5, and 10 ml extracts were mixed with a 1% (w/v) chitosan solution containing 1% (v/v) glacial acetic acid solution and after adding glycerol, the solutions were allowed to dry. Some physical and surface properties (solubility, water vapor permeability, swelling ratio, moisture content, thickness, FTIR, and SEM analysis) of the films were determined and each of them were found to be compatible with the literature. Phenolic compounds (rosmarinic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and chlorogenic acid) were quantitatively determined in films by HPLC-DAD. Practical applications This study proved the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of four different Prunella L. extract incorporated in films. Chitosan edible films have a homogeneous structure, color transparency, and had antioxidant and antibacterial properties that are desired in food and packaging applications. The results confirm that the Prunella-chitosan films can be used as an active package material.

Automated summary

This study investigated the production, characterization, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of chitosan-based edible and biodegradable films prepared with extracts from Prunella grandiflora, Prunella laciniata, Prunella orientalis, and Prunella vulgaris. The results confirmed that these films had desirable physical and surface properties and contained phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The films were found to have potential applications in food and packaging industries.