Chitosan/gelatin films with jatobá resin: Control of properties by vegetal resin inclusion and degree of acetylation modification.

Abstract Blending chitosan and gelatin, two biodegradable and non-toxic polymers, is a recurrent choice in food coating or biomaterials development. The incorporation of vegetal extracts into chitosan/gelatin films can improve or introduce some properties to these materials. Jatoba resin is a product of Hymenaea genus trees with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, interesting properties for films applied in several areas. The chitosan degree of acetylation (DA) influences the inter and intramolecular interactions of this polymer and, therefore, also implicates in changes of its properties. This research aims to study the influence of jatoba resin inclusion and chitosan DA modification on chitosan/gelatin films properties. Both jatoba resin and chitosan DA affected physicochemical, antimicrobial and barrier properties of the films, allowing the control of these properties by changes in these parameters. Jatoba resin incorporation and the decrease in chitosan DA significantly improved antimicrobial activity and water vapor permeability of films with the reduction of water solubility and swelling.