- Bioactive film, Crosslinking, Thermal stability, Film functionality
Abstract
This study investigates the development of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films incorporated with mushroom extract and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) for enhanced mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Chitosan, a biodegradable biopolymer, was blended with PVA to form a stable, flexible film matrix, while mushroom extract, rich in bioactive compounds, and ascorbic acid were added to improve the films' functionality. The films were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), to assess their structural, chemical, and thermal properties. XRD analysis revealed the crystalline and amorphous nature of the films, with changes observed upon the incorporation of mushroom extract and ascorbic acid. FTIR spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of the bioactive compounds, with characteristic peaks indicating the interaction between chitosan, PVA, mushroom extract, and ascorbic acid. SEM images showed the surface morphology and homogeneity of the films, revealing a smooth surface and uniform distribution of the additives. TGA analysis provided insight into the thermal stability, demonstrating that the films exhibited improved thermal resistance with the addition of mushroom extract and ascorbic acid. Building on these results, the chitosan/PVA films by varying mushroom extract and ascorbic acid concentrations.