The objective of this study was to determine the effects of alkyl polyglucoside (APG) on the structural and physical properties of the
films obtained from chitosan-lactate and starch/chitosan-lactate hydrogels. The adding of APG has been done to improve the
spreadability of film forming solution on hydrophobic surfaces as vegetables, fruits, skin or hair. APG, biocompatible nonionic
surfactant, was first used for this purpose. Starch/chitosan-lactate/APG films were prepared by hydrogel casting method. The
wettability of starch/chitosan-lactate/APG hydrogels was evaluated by contact angle measurements. The contact angles of hydrogels
on hydrophobic Teflon surface decreased with the APG concentration. The structure and physical properties of the formed films were
studied by using swelling, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, mechanical testing, and differential scanning calorimetry. The
physical characteristics of biopolymeric films depend on the starch/chitosan-lactate ratio, and the concentration of APG. X-ray
diffraction analysis indicated that the chitosan-lactate and starch/chitosan-lactate films are crystalline and partially amorphous.