Development of novel biodegradable film based on chitosan with borax (sodium tetraborate) and boron nitride and their biological activity

Alternative food packaging materials were prepared using chitosan (CS) that contained borax (B) and boron nitride (BN) (1% and 3% w/w). The produced films were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, physicochemical, biodegradation, chemical resistance, and biological activities were also investigated. According to the biodegradability study, the highest weight loss among all films was detected in CS-BN1. The images obtained by SEM showed the presence of agglomerates as the concentration of B and BN increased. Besides, the thermal stability of the CS-B and CS-BN were found higher than CS. Moreover, CS-B and CS-BN showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-quorum sensing activity. Their effects were decreased with increased concentration. Therefore, the CS-B and CS-BN are promising materials to be used in food packaging to enhance food safety, especially for fruit and vegetables by reducing water vapour loss and microbial growth.