Development of bioactive composite films from chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose using glutaraldehyde, cinnamon essential oil and oleic acid

In the present research the effect of incorporating cinnamon essential oil (CEO), oleic acid (OA) and glutaraldehyde (GL) on antimicrobial, antioxidant, mechanical, physical and morphological properties of chitosan-carboxymethyl cellulose composite films were investigated. Cross-linking effect of GL (as determined by FTIR analysis) significantly resulted in higher mechanical strength and lower water vapor permeability (WVP). Cross-linked films incorporated with CEO revealed higher and steady state antioxidant activity as well as in vitro antimicrobial properties against Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thickness, elongation at break (EAB) and WVP increased by including OA; however, water solubility significantly decreased. Color properties and microstructure of composite films were significantly affected by the additives as confirmed by SEM analyses. We showed that the antimicrobial, antioxidant, mechanical and physical properties of chitosan-carboxymethyl cellulose composite films could be improved via incorporating CEO and GL to the film matrix. •Chitosan/CMC film was developed by active constituents.•Simultaneous effect of glutaraldehyde, cinnamon essence and oleic acid was studied.•Cross-linkage by glutaraldehyde improved mechanical properties.•Simultaneous use of glutaraldehyde and CEO led to increase the film bioactivity.•OA incorporation decreased the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.