Characterization of chitosan nanoparticles as an edible coating material

Chitosan is widely used due to its non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties. This research is conducted to study the formation of chitosan nanoparticles and to characterize this nanoparticle based on its morphology and particle size. Chitosan nano-particle was produced using ionic gelation method. The characterization was performed using Particle Size Analyser (PSA) particle measurement while morphological exploration was performed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The size of this nanoparticle was found to be 0.585 µm (585 nm). Formation of this nanoparticles emulsion can be seen through FTIR analysis showing the functional bond of chitosan and TPP (tripolyphosphate). The addition of TPP and surfactant (Tween 80) had strengthen the mechanical properties of chitosan due to formation of cross ionic bond between chitosan molecules. (paper)