ABSTRACT
Purified flavonoids (PF) from Moringa oleifera leaves were incorporated in chitosan (CS) polymer at different concentrations (0.5-4%) to produce a novel edible film. The physical, structure, mechanical, and bio-functional characterizations of the film were evaluated. The incorporation of PF significantly (p < 0.05) improved the thickness, solubility, swelling, and color of CS-films. Incorporating 4% of Moringa oleifera purified flavonoids (MOPF) improved the water vapor permeability from 8.85 to 2.47 g-1 s-1 Pa-1, and increased the film surface heterogeneity observed by SEM. Results also indicated that PF enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of CS-films. The FTIR results indicated alterations in the CS-MOPF composite films' characteristics. Additionally, the incorporation of MOPF increased the antioxidation capacity. Furthermore, 4% of MOPF inhibited the activity of pathogenic bacteria in packed beef burgers. These results suggest that CS-MOPF composite films with enhanced technological and bio-functional properties could be industrially applied to increase the shelf-life of packaged foods.
