Characteristics of Chitosan-Based Active Film Incorporated with Young Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Leaf Extract

ABSTRACT   The objective of the research was to study the potential of young coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) leaf extract as an antioxidant and antibacterial active agent. The specific objectives were to examine the physical, mechanical, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of chitosan-based film incorporated with the young coconut leaf extract. Preparation young coconut leaf extract was carried out by maceration with ethanol for 48 hours at room temperature. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH method, antibacterial activity was by the well diffusion method, total phenolic and total flavonoids were determined spectrophotometrically. The film was prepared by chitosan solution of 1.0 and 1.5% and was added young coconut leaf extract at 0; 0.1 and 0.3%. The film was characterized for color, tensile strength, elongation, WVP, film morphology, identification of functional groups, the release of total phenolic and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of young coconut leaf extract was IC50 of 58.61 ppm as assayed by DPPH method. The antibacterial activity of the young coconut leaf extract against S. aureus, Salmonella sp., and E. coli were 17,66, 24.40, and 12.27 mm, respectively as indicated by inhibitory zone. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents were 129.27 mg GAE/g extracts and 3.92 mg QE/g extract, respectively. Color of the film was darker, the value of tensile strength increased with increased concentrations of chitosan and the young coconut leaf extract, while the value of elongation at break and water vapor permeability decreased. The release of total phenolic was higher in lipophilic food simulants than that in the aqueous system. Chitosan film incorporated with young coconut leaf extract had great potential as active biodegradable film for packaging of food systems.