Characterization of new active packaging based on PP/LDPE composite films containing attapulgite loaded with Allium sativum essence oil and its application for large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) fillets

Abstract

Abstract This research investigated the development of a new active bilayer-films incorporated with Attapulgite (AT) loaded with Allium sativum essence oil (AEO) based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) produced by blown film extrusion method and their application for large yellow croaker packaging. The physical properties and preservation performances of the films were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the addition of AEO and AT/AEO hybrids did not significantly change the tensile strength, water vapor and oxygen barrier property as well as thermal stability of active films compared to the negative control group (PP/LDPE), whereas had an apparent superiority in comparison with the commercial control group (LDPE/LDPE). Furtherly, the fillets packaged by active films loaded with AT/AEO hybrids pronounced lower values [pH, total volatile basic nitrogen contents (TVB-N), K-value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] compared to the other groups in the preservation of large yellow croaker. Our results evidently revealed that the active bilayer-film containing AT/AEO hybrids effectively functions in preserving large yellow croaker fillets at 4 ± 1 °C with extending the shelf-life by 5 and 2 days, compared to the control group (LDPE/LDPE and PP/LDPE) and treated group containing only AEO (PP/LDPE + AEO), respectively. This indicated that the slow release of AEO controlled by AT can help to maintain and increase the freshness and shelf life of large yellow croaker stored at 4 ± 1 °C.