Preparation and characterization of antioxidant packaging by chitosan, D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate and baicalein.

Baicalein (BN) is a kind of flavonoid with strong antioxidant ability. In this study, antioxidant packaging was developed by incorporating BN and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) into chitosan (CS) film matrix for the first time. Effect of BN content (0.5 wt%, 1 wt% and 2 wt% on CS basis) on the structure, physical, release and antioxidant properties of CS-TPGS-BN films was investigated. Micro-structural observation showed 0.5 wt% of BN was compatible with film matrix, whereas 1 wt% and 2 wt% of BN reduced the homogeneity of the film. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed hydrogen bonds formed between BN and film matrix. X-ray diffraction showed the crystallinity of CS-TPGS film was increased by BN incorporation. The addition of BN remarkably increased the yellowness, water vapor and light barrier properties, opacity and antioxidant activity of the film. The release of BN from CS-TPGS-BN films to fatty food stimulant was demonstrated to fit second-order, Ritger-Peppas, and first-order models. Notably, CS-TPGS-BN films could effectively inhibit the oxidation of soybean oil during 28 days of storage. Thus, CS-TPGS-BN films could be used as novel antioxidant packaging for fatty foods.