Properties of Novel Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Films Containing Chitosan Nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and incorporated in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films under different conditions. Mechanical properties, water vapor and oxygen permeability, water solubility, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) results were analyzed. Incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles in the films improved their mechanical properties significantly, while also improving film barrier properties significantly. The chitosan poly(methacrylic acid) (CS-PMAA) nanoparticles tend to occupy the empty spaces in the pores of the HPMC matrix, inducing the collapse of the pores and thereby improving film tensile and barrier properties. This study is the first to investigate the use of nanoparticles for the purpose of strengthening HPMC films.

The Effect of Polymeric Chain Extenders on Physical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch and Polylactic Acid Blends

“…In the case of general food packaging, water insolubility is expected for the packaging materials [25]. Water solubility index (WSI) of the films is shown in Table 1.…”

Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Clay-Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites

“…The pectin and HPMC films were obtained according to the procedure reported by Moura et al [2] The polysaccharide solution (control film) was obtained dissolving 3.0 g of polysaccharide in 100 mL of distilled water under magnetic stirring for 12 h. A 3.0 (% w:v) polysaccharide solution was used in all film formulations. The films based on nanocomposites were obtained by addition of 3.0 g of polysaccharide in 100 mL of clay solution (both freshly synthesized), under magnetic stirring for 12 h. After the solutions were prepared, the flasks were allowed to rest for 6 h to degas in order to prevent microbubble formation within the films.…”

“…Numerous studies have been conducted investigating the properties of various protein, polysaccharide, and lipid-based biopolymer materials. Natural biopolymers have the advantage of being biodegradable, renewable, and often edible [2][3] . However, biopolymer films have exhibited relatively poor mechanical and water vapor barrier properties when compared to traditional polymeric films, therefore limiting their commercial use [4] .…”

Chitosan Nanoparticles for Generating Novel Systems for Better Applications: A Review

“…Similarly, when chitosan whiskers were added to chitosan films, it was observed that whiskers enhanced the tensile strength and water resistance of the chitosan films [98]. Chitosan nanoparticles can be prepared by ionic gelation [100] and it was found that incorporation of chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles in hydroxyproponyl methylcellulose increased the mechanical and barrier functions of the films [101].…”