No abstract

Active packaging aims to reduce food waste by extending food shelf life. Packaging materials developed from biodegradable, sustainable and renewable resources are required to reduce environmental pollution and conserve natural resources. Therefore, curcumin, a natural extract with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, was encapsulated into zeolitic imidazole framework-8 nanocrystals (K-ZIF-8) in this study. Chitin nanocomposites, support materials of the designed active package, were extracted from the cultivated mushroom. Bioactive properties of the films improved as the amount of K-ZIF-8 increased. Addition of K-ZIF-8 did not have a significant effect on mechanical, barrier, optical, thermal and morphological properties of chitin films. Antimicrobial test revealed that chitin-based nanocomposite films were effective against E.coli, but not against S.aureus. The highest antimicrobial effect, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was obtained in the film containing 10XMIC equivalent of K-ZIF-8 concentration. However, film durability tests indicated that these films are not suitable for long-term storage.