Development of Oleuropein Incorporated Chitosan Films for Antioxidant Active Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

Oleuropein is the major phenolic component of olive leaf extract. In the present study, oleuropein was incorporated into chitosan films, and the physical properties and antioxidant activity of the films were determined. The chitosan-to-oleuropein ratio was arranged as 1:1, 1:0.5, 2:1, and 2:0.5. Physical properties including moisture content, density, solubility, water vapor permeability, color, and opacity were measured. The results showed that the addition of oleuropein improved the water vapor barrier and decreased the solubility of chitosan films. The oleuropeinadded films had the same density and moisture content as chitosan films. Oleuropein incorporation resulted in higher opacity and b* values, whereas a* and L* values decreased. Chitosan films with oleuropein showed strong antioxidant activity. Films at chitosan/oleuropein ratio as 1:1 could be good candidate for active packaging material due to exhibiting good water vapor barrier, opacity, and antioxidant property.