A simple, efficient and economic method for obtaining iodate-rich chili pepper based chitosan edible thin film.

The present study was aimed at designing an iodine supplement in form of edible film made of iodate-coated chitosan (CS-IO3). Inclusion of so obtained films in diet can help in preventing thyroid cancer, leading to improved public health. Chili pepper was coated with iodate thin film (1.5 µm). The iodate-rich film is ready-to-eat serving valuable nutrients. Stability studies of CS-IO3 film using water dipping revealed that there was no leaching of iodate ion, due to the strong interactions between cationic amino group of chitosan and iodate ion. The film showed no change in its antioxidant activity. Iodate concentration in the film was determined at 620 nm selectively, based on the decolorization of malachite green economic method. Iodate content in fruits coated with 1.5% (w/v) CS-IO3 was 11.5 mg g-1 of dry film sample. The iodate-rich samples could be stored without much effect on its freshness, indicating a good shelf life.