Production of a Polylactic Acid‐Based, Chitosan‐ and TiO2‐Modified Biodegradable Antimicrobial Coating Material and Investigation of Its Physical Properties

ABSTRACT Polymer wastes are increasingly threatening the environment. The industry is interested in the use of biodegradable coatings for sustainability and the environment. The aim of this study is to produce an antibacterial coating material based on polylactic acid (PLA) synthesized with chitosan (CS), and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ). PLA and CS are biodegradable biopolymers. This study tests the surface properties of the coating using scanning electron microscopy, chemical reactions using ATR‐FTIR, surface roughness, antimicrobial activity, air permeability, contact angle, and printing suitability of the coated paper in accordance with the standards. It has been shown that the coatings have antimicrobial activity against Y. enterocolitica , S. aureus , and C. albicans bacteria and reduce bacterial growth. SEM images show the dissolution of TiO 2 nanoparticles in the coatings and pilling in the mixtures with CS. Data obtained with ATR‐FTIR confirm the chemical effects of PLA, TiO 2 , and CS. PLA, and TiO 2 reduced the porosity on the paper surface. It was concluded that the mixtures formed with CS increased the wettability in contact with liquid and that PLA formed a good barrier property with TiO 2 . The coating proved to be an environmentally friendly study with its printability properties on disposable food contact materials.