Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of chitosan film incorporated with β-Carotene loaded starch nanocrystals

Chitosan-gelatin film incorporated with beta-Carotene loaded starch nanocrystals was developed by solution casting technique. Upon analysis of the physico-chemical properties of the film at different physical and chemical conditions, it was found that the addition of beta-Carotene loaded starch nanocrystals into chitosan-gelatin film resulted in decreased swelling index, solubility in water, degradation, and moisture content when compared to that of control chitosan-gelatin film. FTIR results revealed the possible interactions between chitosan-gelatin film and beta-Carotene loaded starch nanocrystals by measuring the absorbance. XRD analysis showed increased crystallinity of the modified chitosan-gelatin film by the addition of beta-Carotene loaded starch nanocrystals. The SEM images of the modified chitosan-gelatin film revealed the uneven surface of the film with aggregated beta-Carotene loaded starch nanocrystals. When tested the antioxidant activity using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), the modified film showed 91.5 +/- 0.3% of radical scavenging activity at higher concentration. The in vitro beta-Carotene release was investigated and showed a sustained release (approximate to 51.5 +/- 0.7%) of beta-Carotene from the modified film for 12 days.