Film-forming agents chitosan

Chitosan film was prepared by dissolving 1 g of shrimp chitosan in lOOmL of 1% acetic acid solution. The solution was filtered through a silk screen. The three antimicrobial agents—garlic oil, potassium sorbate, and nisin— were incorporated into chitosan film forming solution at various levels. The solutions were cast in polyacrylic plates and dried. The dry films obtained were peeled off and stored in a chamber at 50% RH and 25°C until evaluation. 

Fernandez-Saiz, R, Lagaron, J.M. and Ocio, M.J. (2009). Optimization of the film-forming and storage conditions of chitosan as an antimicrobial agent. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(8), 3298-3307. 

Chitin, a waste material from crab and shrimp processing, is poly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine). The de-acetylated form, chitosan, is primarily used in water purification but is also used as a chemical feedstock. For example, chitosan can be depolymerized to the monomer, which is used as a hair-setting agent in shampoo and hair conditioner. In the future, graft polymers of chitosan may form biodegradable films. Already, carboxymethylated chitin is approved as a food wrap. 

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