Antimicrobial gelatin/sericin/clay films for packaging of hygiene products

In this study we have prepared flexible gelatin/sericin/clay blend films for packaging applications of hygiene products. Gelatin/sericin (3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 w/w ratios) films were prepared using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer by the solution casting method. The concentrations of gelatin and sericin were optimized on the basis of their mechanical properties. Closite 30B and copper-modified montmorillonite clay (with concentration of 1-5%) were incorporated into the optimized gelatin/sericin blend films in order to improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The water vapor transmission rate of the film samples was also studied. The soil burial test showed very good biodegradability of the blends films. The antimicrobial testing revealed efficient activity of these blend films against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Hence, on the basis of the above-mentioned properties, these films can be considered as promising candidates for packaging of hygiene maintenance products.