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Chitosan and Lauric Acid Addition to Corn Starch-Film Based Effect: Physical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity Study

Budi Arifin, Purwantiningsih Sugita and Dery Ermawan Masyudi

Biodegradable starch film has potential applications in agriculture, food, and pharmacy. However, film made solely of starch posses poor water resistence, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial activity. In this experiment, some films were prepared by combining starch, chitosan, and lauric acid in various ratios in order to improve those properties. The film thickness, moisture content, tensile strength, elongation, water vapour permeability (WVP), and melting point were investigated. The possible interactions among components were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and antimicrobial activity was examined by using agar diffusion method. The mixed film exhibited higher tensile strength and lower WVP than that of the starch film. The amino group band in the FTIR spectrum shifted from 1563 cm-1 in pure chitosan film to 1562 cm-1 in the mixed film. Antimicrobial assay showed that the mixed film owned a moderate inhibition response to Gram positive and low response to Gram negative bacteria. This film is not feasible yet to be marketed because its mechanical and antimicrobial properties are still below the standard.