Zainab Patel¹

1 – De Montford University, UK

Chitosan polymer films modified with glycerol, vitamin c and retinol were prepared using the casting method. The aim was to investigate and explore the impact of adding glycerol (0.2% w/v), retinol, and vitamin c (in the concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4% w/v) and the physical, mechanical, and structural properties; the films were characterised using various tests. Physical properties were investigated by studying the thickness, colour, and opaqueness of the film. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and swelling content were tested; SEM and FTIR methods were also used to study the structural properties by inspecting the composition of the films. The results indicated that the thickness of the films increased with the addition of 0.2% w/v of vitamin c and retinol; the films containing vitamin c exhibited an orange colour due to the oxidation of vitamin c. The inclusion of 0.4% w/v of vitamin c and retinol created an opaquer film, whereas the addition of 0.2% w/v glycerol created a more transparent film. The tensile film results showed that the addition of glycerol improved film flexibility and the inclusion of 0.2% w/v of vitamin and retinol to the films required a greater force of 4.5 N and 6.4 N to break compared to those with 0.4% w/v inclusion. All the films with the addition of glycerol, vitamin c and retinol swelled less compared to the pure chitosan film. FTIR spectra indicated all films to have similar peaks with inclusion of 0.2% w/v vitamin c and retinol showing enhanced peaks; the inclusion of vitamin c and retinol resulted in a textured edge and smooth surface morphology which could be seen using the SEM. Overall the study expands the understanding of chitosan film modifications including the functional benefits and negative impacts they add to the film.