Chitosan-Based Films

The viable alternative to minimize the environmental impact is production of biodegradable polymers. However, synthetic polymers possessing excellent resistivity, low chemical reactivity, and mechanical properties can turn out into a huge threat after they are being discarded. Chitosan, being the second copious biopolymer after cellulose, has diverse applications in the food packaging sector. Chitosan is recognized for its antimicrobial property which inhibits the pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms contained in the food. Due to its non-toxicity, biodegradability antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and adaptable chemical and physical properties, it has an immense potential for a broad range of applications. Films prepared from chitosan can be used as packaging materials to prolong the shelf life of food. Banana, carrot, tomato, pomegranate, mango, fish, papaya, wolfberry, etc. have been conserved by chitosan-based films. The most vital parameter for food packaging is its barrier properties, which includes (O2, CO2, and N2) aroma compounds and light. The barrier properties against the UV light water, oxygen, CO2, nitrogen, etc. have been comprehensively researched on. As the chitosan films are composed of natural resources, they are immensely sensitive towards the surrounding conditions such as relative humidity and temperature. In order to acquire and develop chitosan film with the excellent mechanical and barrier properties, it is mandatory to study the water sorption behavior of films. Chitosan is a natural source of biopolymer and well recognized for its antimicrobial activity and is well known due to its vast range of applications in field of food packaging sector. With the purpose of commercializing the biofilms, more research and systematic examination are required to create composition-process-function to optimize their vital specifications that includes concentration of plasticizer, moisture content, drying temperature, etc. Petroleum-based plastic films cannot be competed with the biopolymer-based films as more research is required to be done to aid and to enhance their mechanical and barrier properties.