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β-Carotene may represent an excellent natural antioxidant, and nanoscale encapsulation may contribute to development of a new technique for addition of antioxidants in active packaging.The objective of this work was to develop active biodegradable films with addition of free β-carotene or β-carotene-loaded lipid-core nanocapsules and to evaluate the interaction with the polymeric matrix. The addition of free β-carotene led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of films, result of their hydrophobic character and less interaction with the matrix.β-Carotene nanocapsules caused the increase of colour intensity of films, elongation at rupture, and less light transmission, with the gradual increase according to increase in concentration. Films with β-carotene nanocapsules presented greater protection of sunflower oil, with lower formation of oxidation products. The lower stability of free antioxidant led to behavior similar to control film, with less oxidation protection. The addition of nanocapsules can provide better interaction with the structure, since the encapsulated carotenoid exhibits solubility in aqueous medium and present better distribution, without altering the rapid biodegradability and thermal stability of films. The results show that encapsulated bioactive compounds can be used as hydrophobic natural antioxidants and added in active biodegradable packages for maintaining food safety and extending the shelf life.

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BACKGROUND The consumption of native tropical fruits represents an important source of bioactive food and vitamins for consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of vitamins, bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of seven native fruits of the Myrtaceae family from south Brazil. RESULTS Sample 1 of Eugenia pyriformis presented the highest value of β‐carotene (0.1021 g kg−1), lutein (0.0511 g kg−1), zeaxanthin (0.0370 g kg−1), and α‐carotene (0.0112 g kg−1), of all analyzed samples. The three samples of Eugenia uniflora L presented the highest lycopene (0.1876, 0.1240 and 0.1615 g kg−1) and vitamin A content (0.106, 0.035 and 0.178 g kg−1 RAE) of all seven species analyzed. The cyanidin 3‐glucoside was the most common anthocyanin found in fruits in the present study. Two samples of Plinia peruviana presented higher antioxidant capacity by the ABTS radical method (0.80 and 0.67 mol TEs kg−1) among the fruits analyzed. The samples of Campomanesia xanthocarpa analyzed stood out owing to the high content of vitamin C present (23.89, 36.83 and 35.05 g kg−1). The values of pantothenic acid in Plinia peruviana account for 20% of daily requirements. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the native fruits studied can provide an appreciable amount of vitamins and bioactive compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry