Evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of angico-de- caroço extract in chitosan films

Abstract

Chitosan is a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer obtained from the chitin deacetylation reaction. It is a polymer that has great potential to be used as a polymeric matrix for food packaging purposes. The angico-de-caroço is a tree that can be found in abundant form in the Brazilian northeastern. The literature reported that the stem bark extract of angico-de-caroço has antimicrobial properties, being a potential additive for antimicrobial packaging. In this work, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the plant extract of angico-de-caroço were evaluated and if it is possible to incorporate it in chitosan films. The extraction was performed at different times and chitosan films were prepared using the solution casting technique at the concentration of 0, 1, 5 and 10 % w/w of the angico-de-caroço plant extract. The extract's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties were evaluated. The results showed that it is possible to incorporate this extract in chitosan films and the extract showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity for the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are the main microorganisms indicator of contamination in food.