Enhanced physical, mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan films via tannic acid cross-linking
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Author list: Malila Y.; Woraprayote W.; Srimarut Y.; Wimolmala E.; Yuwawech K.; Tanpichai S.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
Publication year: 2025
Journal: RSC Advances (2046-2069)
Volume number: 15
Issue number: 37
Start page: 30742
End page: 30757
Number of pages: 16
ISSN: 2046-2069
eISSN: 2046-2069
Languages: English-Great Britain (EN-GB)
Abstract
Growing environmental concerns over the extensive use of petroleum-based polymer packaging have spurred interest in the development of bio-based alternatives. In this work, the incorporation of tannic acid as a cross-linker into chitosan at concentrations of 0-60 wt% was explored. The resulting cross-linking between chitosan chains induced by tannic acid through hydrogen and Schiff-base covalent bonding was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and gel content measurements. This significantly enhanced the films' thermal stability, water uptake, mechanical properties, and barrier properties. The cross-linking minimized the interaction between chitosan functional groups and water molecules, improving water resistance. The chitosan films with 30 wt% tannic acid displayed significant improvements in tensile stress and Young's modulus by 74% and 110%, respectively, compared with the neat chitosan films, which were ascribed to the strong interaction between chitosan and tannic acid. In addition, the cross-linked films effectively blocked UV light transmission while maintaining transparency levels greater than 85%, offering potential protection against photo-oxidation and photo-discoloration of food produce caused by sunlight exposure. However, increasing tannic acid loading negatively affected the antibacterial properties, wettability, and appearance (increased yellowness) of the cross-linked chitosan films. Furthermore, packaging developed from these cross-linked chitosan films successfully extended the shelf life of chilies, demonstrating their application in food packaging. Compared with petroleum-based polymers and biopolymer packaging films, these cross-linked chitosan films offer promising mechanical and barrier properties and UV-shielding capability, making them a sustainable alternative for packaging applications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
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