Optimization of antioxidant, mechanical and chemical physical properties of chitosan-sorbitol-gallic acid films by response surface methodology

Abstract

The interest in the development of biodegradable films is increasing, which is related to the wide availability of resources and methods of synthesis to generate them. For this reason, in this study, the preparation of films containing chitosan, sorbitol and gallic acid this study was proposed. The incorporation of natural antioxidants into films modifies their structure and provides new functionality to them. In order to determine the optimal content of sorbitol and gallic acid in the formulation of the chitosan films to obtain the highest antioxidant capacity and the best mechanical properties, an experimental design based on a two-factor Doehlert model was used. The optimum condition of film synthesis was obtained when a mixture of 1 wt chitosan, 3.62 wt% of sorbitol and 1 wt% of gallic acid was performed. The properties studied were experimentally evaluated at this optimal point and compared with the model predictions, showing good results. It proved to be a promising material to be successfully used as packaging material.