Characterization of the Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Starch Films Based on Waxy Proso Millet Starch and Cetylpyridinium Chloride

ABSTRACT This study characterized the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of starch films manufactured from waxy proso millet starch (WPS) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Increasing the CPC concentration significantly increases the tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of WPS‐CPC films. The water resistance of WPS‐CPC films was also improved by the addition of CPC, resulting in a decrease in their moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability. In addition, WPS‐CPC films containing higher concentrations of CPC exhibited good antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua and effective UV barrier properties. The internal structure, crystallinity, and thermal stability of WPS‐CPC films after CPC addition were marginally changed, indicating that WPS and CPC are miscible. Therefore, CPC, as a cationic surfactant, can be a good additive for improving the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of starch films, and WPS‐CPC films developed in this study can be effectively used as novel food packaging materials.