Application of chitosan shells meti (batissa violacea L. Von Lamarck, 1818) as edible film

Abstract

Edible films are thin layer films used for packaging material and formed from a mixture of polymer and plasticizer. The polymer used is chitosan obtained from shells of meti (Batissa violacea L. von Lamarck, 1818). This study aims to determine the characteristics of edible film and optimum concentration of chitosan and glycerol as plasticizer. Edible films were prepared in 9 formulas with variation of chitosan (1%, 2%, 3%) and glycerol (1.2; 1.5; 2 ml/g chitosan). The films were analyzed by physical characterizations including organoleptic, pH, viscosity, moisture content, thickness, tensile strength, elongation, and morphology. The results showed that edible films, produced by varied concentration of chitosan and glycerol, are significantly different in the characteristics of viscosity, pH, thickness, tensile strength, elongation and morphology. Chitosan 1 % and glycerol (2 ml/g chitosan) was found to perform the best characteristics of film enhancing certain properties such as thickness, tensile strength, elongation, and morphology. In conclusion, chitosan from meti shell can be potentially used as an edible film polymer with desirable properties.