Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy To Design Active Antimicrobial Food Packaging Structures Based on High Molecular Weight Chitosan Polysaccharide

ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has been used in this study to characterize the molecular mechanisms and kinetic processes that take place when a chitosonium acetate thin coating is put in contact with water solutions, Staphylococcus aureus solutions, microbial nutrient solutions, and with a high water activity TSA hydrogel medium to simulate the effect of direct contact with high moisture foods such as fresh meats, fish, and seafood products or beverages. The results of this work suggest that the biocide carboxylate groups that form when chitosan is cast from acetic acid solutions are being continuously evaporated from the formed film in the form of acetic acid (mechanism I) in the presence of envir…