Attempt to Extend the Shelf-Life of Fish Products by Means of Innovative Double-Layer Active Biodegradable Films

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to produce, innovative and, at the same time, environmentally-friendly, biopolymer double-layer films with fish processing waste and active lingonberry extract as additives. These double-layered films were based on furcellaran (FUR) (1st layer) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with a gelatin hydrolysate (HGEL) (2nd layer). The aim of the study was to assess their impact on the durability of perishable salmon fillets during storage, and to evaluate their degree of biodegradation. The fillets were analyzed for changes in microbiological quality (total microbial count, yeast and molds, and psychrotrophic bacteria), biogenic amine content (HPLC), and lipid oxidation (peroxidase and acid values, TBARS). The degree of biodegradation includes analysis of film and compost chemical composition solubility, respiratory activity, and ecotoxicity testing. The obtained results allow to suggest that active films are not only bacteriostatic, but even bactericidal when they used to coat fish fillets. Concerning the group of samples covered with the double-layer films, a 19.42% lower total bacteria count was noted compared to the control samples. Furthermore, it can be observed that the applied double-layer films have a potentially strong inhibitory effect on the accumulation of biogenic amines in fish, which is correlated with its antimicrobial effect (the total biogenic amine content for control samples totaled 263.51 mg/kg, while for the double-layer samples, their value equaled: 164.90 mg/kg). The achieved results indicate a high biodegradation potential, however, a too low pH of the film results in limiting seed germination and growth. Despite that, of these, double-layer films are a technology that has applicative potential.

Biological potential of polysaccharides extracted from Nostoc colonies for film production – Physical and biological properties

“…Packaging materials made of natural biopolymers can be used for storing divers' food products-fruits, vegetables, and products obtained from animals. [32,33] Organic bio-packaging films need to meet several requirements to be suited for such a role. Basic parameters, which are tested in the case of film production, are their thickness, water absorption, and solubility.…”

Critical Review of Techniques for Food Emulsion Characterization

“…Emulsions play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of a diverse array of food products. Nonetheless, the widespread utilization of emulsions across different food industry sectors is constrained by the susceptibility of lipids to oxidation during various stages of emulsion manufacturing, processing, packaging, or storage [166,200,201].…”