abstract
In the present work, we propose a simple and straightforward procedure to prepare antibacterial transparent pullulan films by functionalization of pullulan powder with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The introduction of active aminopropyl groups into the pullulan polymeric backbone imparts antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). In addition, the antimicrobial pullulan maintains its filmogenic ability and the films showed reasonable mechanical properties (Young modulus of 1.8 GPa and tensile strength of 21 MPa) and improved thermal stability (increment of 10 degrees C on the maximum degradation temperature), opening the possibility for application in functional food packaging films and coatings. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
keywords
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY; CELLULOSIC FIBERS; SILVER NANOPARTICLES; EDIBLE FILMS; CHITOSAN; BACTERIAL; POLYMERS; COATINGS
subject category
Chemistry; Food Science & Technology
authors
Fernandes, SCM; Sadocco, P; Causio, J; Silvestre, AJD; Mondragon, I; Freire, CSR
our authors
Projects
Centre for Research in Ceramics and Composite Materials - CICECO (LA0011: 2011-2012) (PEst-C/CTM/LA0011/2011)
RMNE-UA-National Network of Electron Microscopy (REDE/1509/RME/2005 )
Laboratório de Análises Térmicas (REEQ/515/CTM/2005)
acknowledgements
Susana C. M. Fernandes thanks FCT for funding her Postdoctoral Research Grant (SFRH/BPD/70119/2010) co-financing by POPH/ESF program. The authors thank CICECO (Pest-C/CTM/LA0011/2011) and FCT for funding within the scope of the