Characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose-based antimicrobial films incorporated with plant essential oils.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of essential oil (EO) addition (1, 2, and 3% v/v) obtained from different plants (Santolina chamaecyparissus (SC), Schinus molle (SM), and Eucalyptus globulus (EG) on the antimicrobial, physical, water vapor permeability, mechanical, optical and microstructural properties of the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films. The films containing EO at the concentration of 3% showed the highest antimicrobial activity on tested microorganisms. The EO content increase from 1% to 3% in films decreased the moisture content and water solubility of all films.