Technology of films with proanthocyanidins

Introduction Pelargonium sidoides DC. is a flowering plant originating from South Africa. The dry Pelargonium root extract has an antiseptic, immune-modulating effect. Structural examination of root metabolites of Pelargonium species led to the characterisation of other various compounds including phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavan-3-ols with associated proanthocyanidins and one phytosterol [1, 2]. Due to these attributes, biodegradable polymeric films could be the most suitable technological form with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects [4, 6] to treat mucosa and skin inflammatory diseases and infections. The aim of the research: to prepare the biodegradable polymeric films containing proanthocyanidins extracted from Pelargonium sidoides DC. root extract (Frutarom, Switzerland) and to determine the technological properties of it. Materials and methods Preparation of biodegradable polymeric films 0.2 g of chitosan was mixed with 1.34 g (30 %) of lactic acid and 1.0 g of glycerol. Distilled water was poured in portions up to 20 g of the total weight and mixed up from time to time. This polymeric mass was kept for two days. Then 4 g of Pelargonium sidoides DC. root extract was added in portions and the mixture was mixed constantly until homogenous solution appears. This solution was poured into the Petri dishes and dried at 20±2°C for two days until the polymeric films were formed. Film thickness... [...].