Preparation and Characterization of Bioactive Chitosan-Based Films Incorporated with Olive Leaves Extract for Food Packaging Applications

Chitosan films with olive leaf extract (OLE) incorporated at different concentrations were characterized regarding their antimicrobial, antioxidant and some relevant physical properties (i.e., solubility, water vapor permeability, tensile properties). Results indicate that the active have substantial antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes Campylobacter jejuni mostly extending microorganisms lag phase. A lower level of inhibition was found in case Escherichia coli. However, OLE seems not to improve intrinsic chitosan itself, except for C. jejuni. These results confirmed situ testing using chicken. The exhibited activity, increasing concentration, from 0.04 0.15 g/L ascorbic acid equivalents, corresponding 10%–30% relative chitosan. loaded a higher solubility food simulants reduced permeability vapor. Overall, combination allows obtain promising bio-based packaging solution addressing safety quality issues.