Molecular interactions, characterization and antimicrobial activity of curcumin–chitosan blend films

Curcumin–chitosan (Cur–CH) blend films were prepared by solution casting. The Cur–CH and pure chitosan (PCH) films were characterized by molecular simulation, physicochemical properties and antibacterial properties. The molecular model showed that probable interaction between curcumin and chitosan was hydrogen bonding, which was further determined by FTIR. The SEM revealed a good compatibility between curcumin and chitosan. Thermal behavior and X-ray diffraction showed that the structure of Cur–CH film was changed and the crystallinity was decreased compared with PCH film. The blend films showed a larger tensile strength and a higher hydrophilic property than PCH film. Antibacterial activity of Cur–CH film against Staphylococcus aureus and Rhizoctonia solani was studied by the zone inhibition method. Results suggest that it is promising to study natural curcumin chitosan blend films with excellent tensile strength and antibacterial activity for food packaging and agricultural products storage.