Thesis (M.Sc.)--Chulalongkorn University, 2011

This research explores the preparation of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) loaded in chitosan films for controlled release to extend vase life of rose. 8-HQ/chitosan films were prepared by using solvent casting method. The effects of the concentration of chitosan films and 8-HQ were investigated. The effect of the concentration of tripolyphosphate (TPP) used as the crosslinking agent for chitosan films was studied including the crosslinking time. Slow release was achieved from 8-HQ/chitosan films prepared using a higher concentrations of chitosan, TPP and longer crosslink time. The characteristics of film was determined by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Optimum conditions of prolong vase life of rose for 10 days is 200 ppm of 8-HQ loaded chitosan films combined with 20% w/v of sugar solution. Furthermore, the film solution could be reused for another set of rose which could extend the vase life of another set of rose up to 7 days. This advantage can reduce the use of 8-HQ and chitosan films were easy to use and reusable.