Effect of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil on the Properties of Chitosan Films for Active Packaging

Chitosan-based films incorporated with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil (LEO) were developed and their properties as an active food packaging were investigated. The thickness and percentage elongation at break (EAB) of the films increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the higher concentrations of LEO. At 9% LEO (wt/wt chitosan), the film experienced a 101% improvement in percentage EAB compared to control chitosan films. On the...