Characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of gelatin-chitosan edible coated films added with Cyclocarya paliurus flavonoids

In this study, gelatin-chitosan (GEL-CS) composite films added with 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 % Cyclocarya paliurus flavonoids (CPF) were prepared. Then their appearance properties, mechanical properties, barrier properties, microstructure, thermal stability properties, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties were investigated. As compared with GEL-CS film, the GEL-CS films with CPF were darker in color, had higher water vapor barrier, higher elongation at break, and higher thermal stability. Additionally, microstructure analysis with Fourier infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction demonstrated that hydrogen bonding was the main force for cross-linking CPF with other membrane substrates. Moreover, the addition of CPF strengthened the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the membranes. These results indicated that the CPF addition could endow membranes with more excellent functional properties and bioactivity, accompanied by environmentally friendly and edible features. The GEL-CS-CPF composite film would be a potential and prospective packing material for food preservation applications.