Effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in the physicochemical properties of quitosan films

Abstract

The effect of the incorporation of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil at concentrations of 0, 200 and 400 ppm in the physicochemical (thickness, moisture, solubility, water vapor permeability, color, transparency) and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation) of chitosan films at concentrations of 1 and 3% was assessed. Results showed a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the thickness values of films at concentrations of 1 and 3% of chitosan. A significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the moisture content at concentrations of 0, 200 and 400 ppm of essential oil. The addition of essential oil to chitosan films showed a significant change (p ≤ 0.05) in the water vapor permeability values. The chitosan concentration showed a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on transparency and the L*, a*, and b* color parameters. By varying the chitosan concentration, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the tensile strength values of the chitosan films was observed.