Physical properties and antioxidant activity of an active film from chitosan
incorporated with green tea extract
An active film from chitosan incorporated with aqueous green tea extract (GTE) was developed. The
effects of GTE concentrations including 2, 5, 10 and 20% (w/v) of green tea in the film-forming solution on
the film properties were determined by measuring physical properties, total polyphenolic content and
antioxidant activity of the active films. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was carried out to
observe the potential modifications of the chitosan films when incorporated with GTE. The results
suggested that incorporation of GTE into chitosan films improved mechanical and water vapor barrier
properties and enhanced polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of the films. Changes in the FTIR
spectra of the chitosan films were observed when GTE was incorporated, suggesting some interactions
occurred between chitosan and the polyphenols from GTE. This study showed the benefits of incorporation
of GTE into chitosan films and the potential for using the developed film as an active packaging