Optimization of chitosan biofilm properties by addition of caraway essential oil and beeswax

Results suggest that beeswax addition negatively affected mechanical properties and oxygen permeability (increased from 6.54 ± 3.94 cm3/(m224hbar) to 1903.17 ± 94.87 cm3/(m224hbar)), but lowered chitosan film sensitivity to ambient humidity, swelling in different pH, water solubility and water vapor transmission rate (decreased from 210.08 ± 7.76 g/m2 d to 32.48 ± 6.79 g/m2 d). Structural changes were only detected (using FTIR spectrometer) when beeswax was added to the film. Antioxidant activity of chitosan film was detected (28.96%, after 24 h) and it was significantly (p < 0.05) increased by the caraway oil addition (around 80% after 24 h). Produced films were effective antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and recorded activity originated from chitosan molecule.