Novel levan/bentonite/essential oil films: characterization and antimicrobial activity.

Paenibacillus polymyxa is a microorganism used for the production of carbohydrate biopolymer levan in this work. Film samples were prepared with different contents of levan/bentonite. Film samples were evaluated for thickness, water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation properties. The most suitable film composite was chosen to evaluate antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial properties were determined on different microorganisms by adding calendula oil, citronella oil, lemon oil, tamanu oil, peppermint (medical peppermint) oil in varying amounts to the film samples. The highest activity of levan/bentonite/oil composite film on microorganisms was measured with a diameter of 40 mm on Candida albicans in the composition of 0.5 mL of film content +1.5 mL of peppermint (medical peppermint) oil. This high antimicrobial activity film composite was characterized by TGA and SEM. It was made with levan/bentonite and peppermint oil, and the determination of antimicrobial effects of this film composite was reported for the first time. The bio-degradable film obtained has a high potential for use in different areas, especially in food packaging. © Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2021.