Development and characterization of antioxidant active packaging and intelligent Al-sensing films based on carboxymethyl chitosan and quercetin.

Different amounts of quercetin were mixed with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) to develop novel antioxidant active packaging and intelligent Al-sensing films. The physical properties, structure, antioxidant and Al-sensing abilities of CMCS-quercetin composite films were investigated. Results showed CMCS-quercetin composite films presented a dark yellowish color. When compared with CMCS film, CMCS-quercetin composite films containing 5 and 7.5 wt% of quercetin on CMCS basis exhibited higher thicknesses, opacity and thermal stability; however, presented lower moisture contents, UV-vis light transmittance and elongation at break. Besides, the incorporation of quercetin could not significantly change the water solubility and water vapor barrier property of CMCS film. Morphological observation showed the surface of CMCS-quercetin composite film became coarse when 7.5 wt% of quercetin was incorporated. Infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns of CMCS-quercetin composite films further indicated quercetin was compatible with CMCS. Importantly, CMCS-quercetin composite films could sustainably release antioxidant ability into aqueous and fatty food stimulants. Moreover, CMCS-quercetin composite films were sensitive to Al. The color and UV-vis absorption patterns of CMCS-quercetin composite films were changed by the addition of Al. Results suggested that CMCS-quercetin composite films could be used as novel antioxidant and intelligent Al-sensing materials in food packaging.