Chitosan Film Functionalized with Grape Seed Oil—Preliminary Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Although the fishing and wine industries undoubtedly contribute significantly to the economy, they also generate large waste streams with considerable repercussions on both economic and environmental levels. Scientific literature has shown products can be extracted from these streams which have properties of interest to the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries. Antimicrobial activity is undoubtedly among the most interesting of these properties, and particularly useful in the production of food packaging to increase the shelf life of food products. In this study, film for food packaging was produced for the first time using chitosan extracted from the exoskeletons of red shrimp (Aristomorpha foliacea) and oil obtained from red grape seeds (Vitis vinifera). The antimicrobial activity of two films was analyzed: chitosan-only film and chitosan film with the addition of red grape seed oil at two different concentrations (0.5 mL and 1 mL). Our results showed noteworthy antimicrobial activity resulting from functionalized chitosan films; no activity was observed against pathogen and spoilage Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, although the antimicrobial effects observed were species-dependent. The preliminary results of this study could contribute to developing the circular economy, helping to promote the reuse of waste to produce innovative films for food packaging.

Formulation, In Vitro Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Chitosan-Decorated Cream Containing Bacitracin for Topical Delivery

“…Sukmark et al explored the same phenomenon: that the antibacterial action of chitosan-decorated formulations from various sources show a larger zone of inhibition than basic antibiotics [ 39 ]. Similarly, Mauro et al also showed that the antibacterial activity of a natural compound was enhanced in the presence of chitosan [ 40 ]. Chitosan, a cationic polymer, interacts with the anionic groups found on bacterial cell surfaces, which results in the alteration of the cell wall or outer membrane, followed by disturbances in the cytoplasmic membrane permeability and the death of the bacterial cell [ 41 ].…”

95th National Congress of the Italian Society for Experimental Biology | Trieste, Italy, 12-15 April 2023

“…For this reason, there is considerable interest in this waste and in the possibility of their reuse to extract bioactive molecules with added value, all in accordance with the objectives of the Blue Economy. In this regard, it has already been demonstrated that from the production waste of various economic sectors it is pos-sible to obtain bioactive molecules with anticancer, antimicrobial, cosmetic, antioxidant and nutraceutical properties (Mauro et al, 2022). If we focus on farm animals and the feed used, it is known that the latter can be a source of antioxidants which help the body to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals and metabolic products.…”

Phenolic Compounds in Active Packaging and Edible Films/Coatings: Natural Bioactive Molecules and Novel Packaging Ingredients

“…Polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, quinones, coumarins, terpenoids, and alkaloids are the major classes of compounds responsible for the antimicrobial action. Numerous naturally occurring phenolic compounds that are present in various plant sources such as fruits (apple, grape, pomegranate, and orange); vegetables (cabbage and onion); herbs (garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary); and spices (pepper, cardamom, and clove) have been documented to have antimicrobial properties [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Although the efficacy of natural antimicrobials has been demonstrated in laboratory settings, challenges remain in ensuring their effectiveness in practical applications for foods under different environmental conditions [ 51 ].…”