Preparation and evaluation of chitosan-zein film containing free and encapsulated ethanol extract of kak kosh biabani Pulicaria gnaphalodes (Vent.) Boiss.

Background: Today, the tendency to use biodegradable biopolymers as one of the appropriate technologies to prevent food oxidation has received much attention. Objective: The aim of the present study was to produce a new biodegradable films containing free ethanolic extracts and nanocapsules of kak kosh biabani (Pulicaria gnaphalodes (Vent.) Boiss.), in order to investigate the antioxidant properties in laboratory conditions. Methods: In this study, the effects of different films on mechanical properties, antioxidant activities, encapsulation efficiency, water vapor permeability, microstructure and morphology and color characteristics were evaluated. Results: The average particle size was 153-166 nm and the encapsulation efficiency was 49.87-73.07%. Nanoliposomes with the lowest size and highest encapsulation efficiency were merged with the film samples. The results obtained from FT-IR spectra revealed new interactions between chitosan and nanoliposomes. Despite the increase in yellow color and decrease in whiteness indices, the nanoliposome composition improves the mechanical stiffness and results in reduced water vapor permeability (WVP). Conclusion: The properties of chitosan-zein films were affected by the amount of extract used, which generally improved the properties of the films and their antioxidant properties. Due to these features, this film can be used in food storage.