Sustainable utilization of valorized agro-wastes for active and intelligent packaging of processed meats

Abstract

We propose a novel biodegradable active-intelligent film solely fabricated from valorized agricultural residues and processing wastes, for preserving and monitoring the freshness of pastrami. Cellulose was extracted from honeydew melon rind (MR) by a modified chemical approach, and derivatized into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Compared to commercial CMC and those synthesized from cotton linter/rice husk, CMC-MR displayed superior physicochemical properties in terms of solubility (98.13%), purity (99.66%), molecular weight (760–1050 kDa), degree of substitution (1.25), moisture content (7.80%), and viscosity (38.50 cP). CMC-MR (3% w/v) was used as the supporting matrix, into which anthocyanin-rich onion scale extract (10% weight of polymer; OSE) was incorporated based on excellent pH-dependent response in pHs 1 to 14, potent antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. The glycerol-sorbitol plasticized halochromic film showed an improved moisture content, UV–vis blocking, water vapor permeability, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. The film applied as a single-layer overwrap, efficiently inhibited the growth of aerobic mesophilic populations by 1.57 log units after 3 days, and extended the shelf life of pastrami by 4 days at 4 °C compared to OSE-free films and inert conventional packaging used in the market. Simultaneously, the film's color changed from reddish-brown to yellowish-brown after 8 days in response to evolving volatile nitrogen compounds, providing evidence for its promising communication prospects that enables consumers to judge freshness and edibility of food products in real-time. The data offers insights for the significance of agro-industrial wastes valorization in fulfilling the needs for reliable smart food packaging technologies with an eye on sustainability.