Abstract

• The chitosan-alginate-starch composite membranes (CAS 1- 4), modified chitosan-alginate-starchglycerol composite membranes (CASG 1- 4) and modified chitosan-alginate-starch-sorbitol composite membranes (CASS 1- 4) were prepared by using casting and autoclaving methods. These membranes have smooth surfaces, highly transparent and pale yellow colour. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength of these prepared membranes were determined. Based on the mechanical properties of the prepared composite membranes: CAS-3, CASG-2 and CASS-2 composite membranes were chosen for further studies. The selected composite membranes were characterized by FT IR and SEM analyses. SEM micrographs of composite membranes showed their significant nature of surface morphologies. The antimicrobial activities of these membranes were tested by agar well diffusion method as to apply these membranes for biomedical applications.