Edible chitosan-alginate based coatings enriched with turmeric and oregano additives: Formulation, antimicrobial and non-cytotoxic properties

In our study we developed the edible chitosan and alginate coatings with turmeric or oregano additives. The objective of the research was to evaluate the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of films. In cell line studies on HepG2 and BJ cells, they were shown to be non-cytotoxic materials (IC50% was not reached). For HepG2 increase in cell proliferation was observed for 3, 4, and 7 mg/mL of OS3 (124,79 & PLUSMN;9,21; 162,4 & PLUSMN;10,46; 165,37 & PLUSMN;18,44) after 72 h. In BJ cells, no significant decrease in proliferation was noted after 24- and 48-hour exposure to OS0 and OS1 (1-7 mg/ml). The addition of oregano (1% v/v) resulted in films with higher elongation at break and 40% higher tensile strength compared to the base (OS0) film. Use of additives significantly increased the thermal stability of the complexes (by an average of 10 degrees C). Coatings were tested on tofu and had proven potent antimicrobial properties.

Automated summary

In this study, edible chitosan and alginate coatings with turmeric or oregano additives were developed, and the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of films was evaluated. The films were shown to be non-cytotoxic in cell line studies. HepG2 cells exhibited increased cell proliferation with the addition of turmeric additives (3, 4, and 7 mg/mL of OS3), while oregano additives (1% v/v) resulted in films with higher elongation at break and tensile strength. These coatings demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties when tested on tofu.