Abstract
Chitosan (CS) with an ethanol extract of black soybean coat (EBSC) was prepared, and its physicochemical properties and antioxidant and antibacterial activities were tested. The results showed that EBSC significantly increased the thickness and UV-Vis light barrier ability of the CS-based films, while the swelling degree, water vapor permeability, and tensile strength decreased. The CS-EBSC films had smooth surfaces, compact cross-sections, and no cracks, and they had higher crystallinity than the CS film. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy indicated that there were noncovalent bonds (hydrogen bonds) between EBSC and CS. Furthermore, the CS-EBSC III film presented a stronger ABTS radical scavenging ability (66.58%) and could effectively inhibit Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The lipid oxidation test proved that CS-EBSC films significantly reduced the peroxide value of lard. The results above indicate that CS-EBSC films could be used as an active packaging material to improve the shelf life of food.