Production and Characterization of Nontoxic and Biodegradable Chitosan–Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Spores Blend Films

The use of synthetic-based packaging materials can causes health and environmental problems. To overcome these problems, researchers have focused on natural polymers such as cellulose and chitosan, which are easily degradable in nature. Herein, biodegradable composite films were prepared for the first time by including Pisolithus arhizus spores (PS) known as earth-ball like fungus into the chitosan matrix. The obtained films were characterized by FTIR, TGA, XRD and SEM. Additionally, thickness, soil degradation, water solubility and antioxidant activity tests were done to learn more about the films. Also, the cytotoxicity effect of obtained films against L929 fibroblast cells was studied. A gradual increase was recorded in the thermal stability and antioxidant activity of chitosan/PS composite films. It was observed that the addition of PS significantly increased water solubility compared to the control film (90%). In addition, the reduction of the biodegradation time of the composite films obtained has been confirmed to depend on the PS content. All films had no cytotoxic effects on L929 cells at 24 h and 72 h (all values > 70%). Considering the successful results in the production of chitosan–PS composite films, it is predicted that such production may be a biological alternative that can replace petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].