| Abstract Scope |
Chitosan (CH) is a natural preservative for fruits and vegetables. Coatings made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (80/20 ratio) with concentrations (0, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) of HNTs and ZnHNTs were selected for further study. PVA/CH composite coatings with varying concentrations of HNTs and ZnHNTs were studied using SEM/FESEM, FTIR, XRD, and mechanical testing. FTIR and XRD confirmed the presence of zinc on the HNT surface. SEM showed a rough surface, with roughness increasing with increased HNT/ZnHNT concentration. Adding ZnHNTs and HNTs improved the chitosan/PVA film's tensile strength and elongation at break with decreased light transmittance. Antibacterial tests against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli significantly inhibited growth over two weeks. Among them, the most promising film was 0.6% ZnHNTs, showing a good preservation effect with solid growth inhibition. However, further testing will be required to demonstrate the CS/ZnHNT potential as an edible coating. |