Antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity of caffeic acid/ N,O-carboxymethylchitosan (NOCC)/methylcellulose composite films

The study was to evaluate the characteristics of caffeic acid/N, O-carboxymethylchitosan (NOCC)/methylcellulose composite films for used as an edible film. The composite films were ionic cross-linked by calcium chloride to obtain calcium-rich edible films. The characteristics of test caffeic acid/ NOCC/methylcellulose films evaluated were their degree of crosslinking, swelling ratio, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, antimicrobial capability and antioxidant. It was found that crosslinking of the comosite films by calcium ions significantly increased its ultimate tensile strength but reduced its water vapor permeability. The composite films demonstrated significant antimicrobial capability and free radical scavenging activity because the films were able to sustained release caffeic acid. These results suggested that the caffeic acid/chitosan/methylcellulose film may be a promising material as an edible film.