Physicochemical,Microstructural, and Antibacterial Properties of β‐Chitosan and Kudzu Starch Composite Films

Abstract: This study investigated physicochemical, microstructural, and antibacterial properties of β‐chitosan–kudzu starch composite films with addition of 0%, 20%, 60%, or 100% kudzu starch (w starch/w chitosan) in 1% chitosan solution. Molecular interactions between chitosan and kudzu starch and the crystal structure of the films were also determined. Adding 60% kudzu starch reduced water vapor permeability and solubility of pure β‐chitosan film by about 15% and 20%, respectively, whereas mechanical strength and flexibility of the film were increased about 50% and 25%, respectively. Micrograph showed that β‐chitosan film was totally amorphous, and the composite films generally became rougher with more starch added. Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray diffraction spectra showed that the 2 film‐forming components were compatible with each other. Pure β‐chitosan film resulted in 9.5 and 11.5 log CFU/mL reduction in Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua based on plate count method, respectively. Addition of kudzu starch reduced the antibacterial activity of film, but still achieved 8.3 and 10.3 log CFU/mL reduction in E. coli and L. innocua, respectively when kudzu starch to chitosan weight ratio was 1:1. Reduced antibacterial activity might attribute to the interaction of amino groups in β‐chitosan with the hydroxyl groups in kudzu starch. This study demonstrated that kudzu starch effectively improved water barrier of β‐chitosan film, and the composite films retained strong antibacterial ability. Practical Application: One percent of β‐chitosan containing 60% kudzu starch (w/w chitosan) composite films possessed better mechanical and water barrier properties than pure β‐chitosan films, and showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The films may be used as wraps or coatings to prolong the shelf life of different foods or other similar applications.     

Effect of Molecular Weight,Acid, and Plasticizer on the Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of β‐Chitosan Based Films

Abstract: Effects of chitosan molecular weight (1815 and 366 kDa), type of acid (1% acetic, formic, and propionic acid, or 0.5% lactic acid) and plasticizer (0, 25% glycerol or sorbital w/w chitosan) on the mechanical, water barrier, and antibacterial properties of β‐chitosan films were investigated. Tensile strength (TS) of high molecular weight (Hw) films was 53% higher than that of low molecular weight (Lw) ones, acetate, and propionate films had the highest TS (43 and 40 MPa) among tested acids, and plasticizer‐reduced film TS 34%. Film elongation at break (EL) was higher in Hw films than in Lw ones, in which formate and acetate films were the highest (9% and 8%, respectively), and plasticizer increased the film EL 128%. Molecular weight of chitosan did not influence water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films. Acetate and propionate films had lower WVP than other acid types of films, and plasticizer increased film WVP about 35%. No difference was found between glycerol and sorbitol films in terms of film mechanical and water barrier properties. Lw β‐chitosan films showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and L. innocua. This study demonstrated that β‐chitosan films are compatible to α‐chitosan films in physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity, yet with simple sample preparation. Practical Application: β‐chitosan based edible films at molecular weight of about 300 kDa showed great antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The films have similar mechanical and water barrier properties to α‐chitosan based films at the similar molecular weight, but simple sample preparation procedures and more attractive color. The release of active chitosan fragment from the film matrix acts as an antibacterial agent, making β‐chitosan films suitable as intelligent food wraps or coatings for a wide range of food products to control moisture loss and prevent surface bacterial growth.     

Comparison of physicochemical,binding, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shells

Physicochemical, binding, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shells were compared. Chitosan prepared from ground shell (designated as g‐chitosan) had significantly higher nitrogen content, degree of deacetylation, solubility and viscosity, but lower ash content, bulk density and colour redness (a*) value than chitosan prepared from entire shell (designated as e‐chitosan). Compared with e‐chitosan, g‐chitosan had comparable water‐binding capacity, but higher fat‐binding and dye‐binding capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity and antibacterial activity against two Gram‐negative (Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli) and two Gram‐positive (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. This study demonstrated that chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shell exhibited drastic differences in their physicochemical and functional characteristics. These differences were contributed by the particle size of the crab shell.     

A novel treatment for multifunctional finishing and reactive dyeing of polyamide‐6–cotton blend

A new approach to simultaneous functional finishing and reactive dyeing of polyamide‐6–cotton fabric (50/50) is developed. The extent of improvement in the functional and dyeing properties is determined by the UV‐absorber, UV‐Sun® CEL, concentration, type and concentration of the used reactive dye as well as the treatment sequence. The UV‐protection and the antibacterial properties, against S. aureus (G+ve) and E. coli (G?ve) bacteria, of the simultaneously finished and dyed fabric samples are maintained even after 15 washing cycles. After 15 washing cycles, the depth of shades and the fastness properties of the obtained dyeings are not seriously affected. The incorporation of the used UV‐absorber onto the blend fibres was also confirmed by SEM analysis.     

Antibacterial Activity of Ozone‐Depolymerized Crawfish Chitosan

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial activities of chitosan samples with different molecular weights (1333, 432, 201, 131, and 104 kDa) prepared by ozone treatment were examined against 2 Gram‐positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) and 2 Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescen) to investigate the effect of chitosan's molecular weight and concentration on the inhibition of bacterial growth. Antimicrobial activity of chitosan varied depending on the molecular weight, concentration of chitosan, and type of microorganism. Generally, the effectiveness of the chitosans significantly increased with increasing chitosan concentration, regardless of molecular size and types of bacteria. Chitosan with molecular weights ranging from 104 to 201 kDa showed relatively greater antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and P. fluorescen; whereas for E. coli, intermediate molecular weight chitosan was more effective in growth inhibition than lower or higher molecular weight chitosan particularly at 0.1% concentration.     

Antibacterial action of chitosan

The antibacterial action of chitosan hydroglutamate (CH), chitosan lactate (CL) and chitosan derived from fungal mycelia was examined against both gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria. Plate counts indicated inactivation rates of one‐ to five‐log‐cycles within one hour. Fungal chitosan had significantly less antibiotic effect than CH and CL. The antibacterial action of CH and CL was very similar and shown to be concentration dependent with 0.1 mg/mL more effective than 2.0 and 5.0 mg/mL. When CH (or CL) and polygalacturonate were added to cell suspensions, death was prevented, possibly indicating that chitosan complexed with polygalacturonate could not penetrate the cell or disrupt the membrane. Leakage of intracellular components caused by chitosan was determined by exposing lactose‐induced Escherichia coli to chitosan with assay for ß‐galactosidase activity indicating that cell permeabilization occurred more extensively at the low chitosan concentrations. Microscopic examination showed that chitosan caused cell agglutination at pH 5.8. Injury to chitosan‐exposed Staphylococcus aureus MF‐31 could not be demonstrated using the criterion that sublethally stressed cells have increased sensitivity to high levels of sodium chloride.     

Characterization and antibacterial property of Kapok fibers treated with chitosan/AgCl–TiO2 colloid

The aim of this research is to investigate the antibacterial activity of Kapok fibers modified with AgCl/TiO₂ and Chitosan colloid. A very simple, single-step (pad-dry-cure) method was used for the application of AgCl/TiO₂ and Chitosan colloid on kapok fibers, the chemicals used are easily available. Different blend ratios of chitosan and AgCl/TiO₂ colloid were applied to the bleached kapok fibers and antibacterial properties were assayed against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The treated kapok fibers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the bacterial growth was significantly reduced in the samples which had a higher concentration of chitosan and AgCl/TiO₂ colloid. However, a significant reduction in bacterial growth with the use of this colloid was observed.     

Effect of Chitosan Physical Form on Its Antibacterial Activity Against Pathogenic Bacteria

The antibacterial activity of chitosan (CS) nanospheres, in comparison with other physical forms, was investigated against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus, which are 2 foodborne harmful pathogens. Results showed that the antibacterial efficacy of CS nanospheres: (1) was superior to that displayed by CS in powder and solution form; (2) was higher against S. aureus than against Salmonella Typhimurium; and (3) was dependent on the temperature and pH of the medium depending on the strain. For S. Typhimurium, a higher activity was displayed at 37 °C, in which 99.9% of the population was eradicated independently of the pH, followed by 20 °C and 7 °C, in which acidic pH conditions favored a higher susceptibility of bacteria to the effect of CS. On the contrary, S. aureus was less susceptible to the pH and temperature conditions of the medium, and no statistical difference in the antibacterial effect was observed for pH 5.8 and 8.0 at 20 °C and 37 °C. However, at 7 °C a slightly higher activity was displayed at pH 5.8 than at 8.0.     

Enhanced thermal and antibacterial properties of cross‐linked waxy maize starch granules by chitosan via dry heat treatment

Cross‐linked starch was synthesised using chitosan as cross‐linking agent via a dry heating method. Thermal properties measured by DSC showed transition temperatures increased as compared with that of native starch (P < 0.001), which might indicate the starch and chitosan molecules interacted with each other. XRD demonstrated that the crystalline pattern of the starch remained the same, but there was slight change in the crystallinity degree after the cross‐links. The significant reduction of solubility, swelling power and transparency (P < 0.001) indicated that the cross‐links restricted the starch granules swelling and molecules leaching. Agar diffusion test showed that chitosan‐cross‐linked starch had excellent bacterial growth inhibition, and its antibacterial activity was stronger against Gram‐negative bacteria than against Gram‐positive bacteria. Its antibacterial activity was further confirmed using liquid broth method. Thus, the cross‐linked starch may be directly used in the food formula for protecting food as a natural antimicrobial ingredient.     

Inhibition of selected pathogens inoculated on the surface of catfish fillets by high molecular weight chitosan coating

Antibacterial activity of high molecular weight water-soluble (HMWWS) chitosan (800 kDa) was investigated against four Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria. Catfish fillets were surface-inoculated with these food-borne pathogens and coated with chitosan dissolved in aspartic acid (AS) or acetic acid (AC) solution at different concentrations (1% or 3%). Samples were stored at 4 °C for 8 days, except for those inoculated with Vibrio species (10 °C for 6 days). Overall, the most effective coating treatment was the 3% HMWWS chitosan in AS solution (800AS3%). Compared with the control, significant (P < 0.05) reductions caused by 800AS3% were observed for all tested pathogens at the end of storage. The growth of V. parahaemolyticus was completely suppressed by 800AS3%. This study demonstrated that HMWWS chitosan in AS solution could be used as an alternative antimicrobial coating for catfish fillets.     

Antifungal activity of films and solutions based on chitosan against typical seed fungi

The use of eco-freindly polymers as antimicrobial materials is in growth due to the need to reduce the negative impact of conventional treatments on the environment and the human health. The purpose of the present study was to assess the antifungal properties of films and solutions based on chitosan with different molecular weight at different concentrations. Surfactants were added to the formulation to assess their impact on treatment efficiency. The antifungal activity was conducted against tree fungi, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus oryzae. Results indicated important and significant differences of the antifungal activity between chitosan based solutions and chitosan based films. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of the different treatment depended on the type of fungus treated. Thus, chitosan film treatments were significantly more effective on A. niger than solution treatments. On the other hand, solution treatments resulted in higher radial inhibition when applied against A. alternata or R. oryzae. The highest radial inhibition was observed against A. alternata (97%) using a chitosan solution. The influence of the other parameters (concentration, molecular weight and surfactant type) on treatment efficiency was not as important and their significance depended on treatment type and fungus nature.     

Preparation of water-soluble chitosan from shrimp shell and its antibacterial activity

Crude chitosan was prepared from shrimp shell by HCl, NaOH and ethanol solution successively. Hydrogen peroxide was used to degrade the crude chitosan into water-soluble chitosan. A mathematical model between degradation conditions (H₂O₂ level, time and temperature) and the recovery of water-soluble chitosan was constructed using response surface methodology. Each factor showed a significant effect on the recovery. The model was confirmed to have a good fitness by analysis of variance. The optimal conditions to obtain the highest recovery of water-soluble chitosan were 5.5% of H₂O₂ level, 3.5 h of time and 42.8 °C of temperature. The predicted recovery was 93.5%. Through testing the number of colony, both crude and water-soluble chitosan showed good inhibition activities against B. subtilis. By determination of inhibition zone diameter, water-soluble chitosan showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher inhibition capabilities against E. coli, B. subtilis and S. aureus than crude chitosan.Industrial relevanceChitin is the second abundant polymer next to cellulose over the world. Its deacetylated product, chitosan, is an important ingredient in medicine and food. However, the low solubility in water limits the application of chitosan. In this work, the chitosan was degraded by H₂O₂ to produce water-soluble chitosan. Response surface methodology was taken to construct a model between degradation conditions and the recovery of water-soluble chitosan. By determination of the antibacterial activity, water-soluble chitosan showed better antibacterial activity than crude chitosan without degradation treatment. The results indicated the high potential of water-soluble chitosan as an antibacterial agent. This work was helpful for applying this product in industry.     

Preparation and properties of rice starch–chitosan blend biodegradable film

Biodegradable blend films from rice starch–chitosan were developed by casting film-solution on leveled trays. The influence of the ratio of starch and chitosan (2:1, 1.5:1, 1:1, and 0.5:1) on the mechanical properties, water barrier properties, and miscibility of biodegradable blend films was investigated. The biodegradable blend film from rice starch–chitosan showed an increase in tensile strength (TS), water vapor permeability (WVP), lighter color and yellowness and a decreasing elongation at the break (E), and film solubility (FS) after incorporation of chitosan. The introduction of chitosan increased the crystalline peak structure of starch film; however, too high chitosan concentration yielded phase separation between starch and chitosan. The amino group band of the chitosan molecule in the FTIR spectrum shifted from 1541.15 cm⁻¹ in the chitosan film to 1621.96 cm⁻¹ in the biodegradable blend films. These results pointed out that there was a molecular miscibility between these two components. The properties of rice starch–chitosan biodegradable blend film and selected biopolymer and synthetic polymer films were compared; the results demonstrated that rice starch–chitosan biodegradable blend film had mechanical properties similar to the other chitosan films. However, the water vapor permeability of rice starch–chitosan biodegradable blend film was characterized by relatively lower water vapor permeability than chitosan films but higher than polyolefin.     

In Vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Shallot and Scallion

ABSTRACT: In vitro antioxidant and antibacterial protection of shallot and scallion were examined. Water extract and oil of shallot and scallion significantly delayed lipid oxidation in multilamellar phosphatidylcholine liposomes and human RBC membranes (p < 0.05). Shallot oil at 5 and 10 mM showed marked antioxidant activity at 75 °C (p < 0.05). Shallot and scallion oils significantly inhibited the growth of 4 food‐borne bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium DT104, E.coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, and 4 nosocomial bacteria, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii (p < 0.05). All observed antioxidant and antibacterial activities were dose‐dependent (p < 0.05). These results suggested the use of shallot and scallion oils in food systems could enhance lipid and microbial stability.     

Characterisation of anti‐Staphylococcus aureus activity of quercetin

Although many antibiotics are available for the treatment of bacterial infections, the emergence and global spread of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria is a community‐wide problem. To overcome this problem, we must explore alternative antimicrobials. This study investigated the antibacterial properties of quercetin, a flavonoid present in vegetables and fruits. Quercetin was tested against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and was found to exert selective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Some clinical MRSA strains showed remarkable susceptibility to quercetin. In combination with antibiotics, such as oxacillin, ampicillin, vancomycin, gentamicin, and erythromycin, quercetin showed markedly enhanced antibacterial activity against MRSA. We also report quercetin‐induced aggregation of S. aureus cells; the morphological changes in these cells, as assessed by electron microscopy; and the colony‐spreading ability of quercetin‐sensitive MRSA, all of which revealed the unique antibacterial properties of quercetin against S. aureus.     

Development of active plastic crate and evaluation of phytopathogenic and pathogenic food spoilage micro‐organism inhibition

BACKGROUND: The plastic crates used in fruit and vegetable shipping can be vehicles of disease dissemination among production fields, since there is a chance of phytopathogenic micro‐organism adhesion on the crate surfaces when in contact with soil, contaminated produce or handling. The aim of this study was to develop an active plastic crate incorporated with a triclosan‐based antimicrobial agent and to evaluate its efficiency of micro‐organism inhibition. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus (a human pathogen), Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis and Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora (phytopathogens) were the most sensitive micro‐organisms when in contact with samples of plastic crate incorporated with 30 g kg^?1 of antimicrobial agent. They presented diameters of approximately 5.0, 3.5 and 3.5 cm respectively in the halo test. Mean specific growth rates decreased in samples with 30 g kg^?1 of antimicrobial agent, compared with control samples, from 1.13 to 0 h^?1 for S. aureus, from 1.26 to 0.47 h^?1 for Escherichia coli and from 1.75 to 0.18 h^?1 for Listeria monocytogenes. The antimicrobial agent did not influence the mechanical properties of the crates. CONCLUSION: The active plastic crate has great potential to contribute to the safety of horticultural produce by restraining the proliferation of micro‐organisms among production fields. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity of the grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi. L) peel essential oils obtained by solvent‐free microwave extraction: comparison with hydrodistillation

The chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained by solvent‐free microwave extraction (SFME) and hydrodistillation (HD) from the peel of grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi. L) was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Totally, twenty‐five components were identified in the EO. Limonene was observed as dominant (91.5–88.6%) for two extraction methods, SFME and HD, respectively. β‐Pinene (0.8–1.2%), linalool (1.1–0.7%), α‐terpinene (0.7–1.0%) and the other minor components were also detected. Disc diffusion method was applied to determine the antibacterial properties of the EO. The results showed that the EO of grapefruit peel had a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris, with their inhibition zones ranging from 11 to 53 mm.     

Mechanical,Physical, Antioxidant,and Antimicrobial Properties of Gelatin Films Incorporated with Thymol for Potential Use as Nano Wound Dressing

The aim of this study was to determine the properties of gelatin films incorporated with thymol. Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin solutions (10% w/v) containing thymol (1, 2, 4, and 8% w/w), glycerol (25% w/w) as plasticizer, and glutaraldehyde (2% w/w) as cross‐linker. Cross‐likened films showed higher tensile strength, higher elongation at break, lower Young's modulus, lower water solubility, lower swelling, lower water uptake, and lower water vapor permeability. Incorporation of thymol caused a significant decrease in tensile strength, increase in elongation at break, decrease in Young's modulus, increase in water solubility, decrease in swelling and water uptake, and increase in water vapor permeability slightly. The films incorporated with thymol exhibited excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial activity of the films containing thymol was greatest against Staphylucoccus aureus followed by Bacillus subtilis followed by Escherichia coli and then by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, gelatin films‐containing thymol can be used as safe and effective source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents with the purpose of evaluating their potential use as modern nano wound dressing. Practical Application : This study clearly demonstrates the potential of gelatin films incorporated with thymol as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial nano film. Such antimicrobial films exhibited excellent mechanical, physical, and water activities and could be used as antibacterial nano wound dressing against wounds burn pathogens.     

Antibacterial Activity and Physical Properties of Edible Chitosan Films Exposed to Low-pressure Plasma

The challenge for food industry is developing gentle processes concept, which will prevent food spoilage and leave a food natural, minimally processed, fresh-like and safe. A new technique of food preservation could be usage of combined methods of green process, such as cold gas plasma with bioactive substances, and protective coatings. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of chitosan films incorporated with lysozyme exposed to helium plasma treatment as well as evaluate their physical properties. The edible films have been prepared basing on low molecular weight chitosan by casting from lactic acid solution with water solution of lysozyme in three various concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1 %). Dried films were then modified by exposition on cold helium plasma treatment for 0, 5 and 10 min. Obtained films were tested against growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and Pseudomonas fluorescens. In order to characterize chitosan-based films, their mechanical properties, theromogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), contact angle measurement, water vapour permeability (WVP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were evaluated. The films with 1 % lysozyme incorporation enhanced the inhibition efficiency of chitosan-based films against gram-positive (L. monocytogenes) and gram-negative (P. fluorescens) bacteria, where reduction zones were 42.5 and 69.8 mm, respectively. Besides that, hydrolytic changes of chitosan chain caused by lysozyme activity were confirmed by TGA and DMTA. Contact angles and WVP of tested films were not significantly affected by helium plasma exposition, nor lysozyme dosage. Hydrophilic natures of chitosan-based films were confirmed by both tests. Microscopy image of cross-section structure was smooth and continuous due to lysozyme addition in film composition. Application of chitosan films incorporated with lysozyme and low-pressure plasma treatment could be used as innovative preservation method in a wide range of food products.     

Antibacterial effects of chitosan coating containing Mentha aquatica L. essence against Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in Iranian white cheese

The effect of a chitosan coating and Mentha aquatica L. essence on Iranian white cheese was investigated. Results showed 100% inhibition of Escherichia coli growth using 1.5% essence after 10 days. After 15 days of incubation, the Staphylococcus aureus population was reduced by 44.2%, 70.0%, and 88.5% using 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% essence, respectively. After 15 days, Listeria monocytogenes growth was inhibited by 63.84%, 70.12%, and 85.9% using 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% essence, respectively. Inhibition zone diameter studies also confirmed the antibacterial effects of applied coating against all the above‐mentioned bacteria in Iranian white cheese.