β-chitosan-clay films: Characterization and antibacterial study using response surface methodology

Properties of the chitosan films can be improved by incorporating clay minerals. So, solvent-cast β-chitosan containing stevensite-rich or kaolinitic-illitic clays (up to 50 mass %) were characterized for their structural and mechanical properties. The effects molecular weight (MW) deacetylation degree (DD) clay/chitosan ratio on inhibition growth Escherichia coli Staphylococcus aureus studied using response surface methodology (RSM). consisted exfoliated/intercalated flocculated composites, electrostatic bonds formed between functional moieties particles active sites essentially influenced strength. results study RSM showed that optimal value MW required bacteria varied according film used, high antibacterial activity necessitated DD (89–97%).