Development of active packaging film reinforced with nano cellulose extracted from Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) residues for prolonging the shelf life of chicken meat

Abstract

SummaryThe development of new packaging materials with biodegradability is gaining more importance nowadays. The packaging materials produced using cellulose can reduce the environmental pollution caused by synthetic polymers. The nanocellulose was extracted from the Borassus flabellifer husk by combining TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl radical)‐mediated oxidation and ultrasonication. The packaging film was developed by the combination of arrowroot starch (5 g), glycerol (2 g), nanocellulose suspension (5%) and neem oil (1 mL) using the solution casting technique. The film was then analysed for different properties, including tensile strength, contact angle measurement, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial properties. The active packaging film showed improved mechanical, antimicrobial and optical properties than the normal starch film. The application study of the active films showed that the chicken meat packed in pure starch films spoiled faster with greater changes in pH, weight loss and hardness than the chicken packed in active films. The incorporation of neem oil in the film prevented the lipid oxidation of chicken meat due to the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds present in neem oil and resulted in lower peroxide values.