Bioactive Cellulose Nanopapers Impregnated with Cinnamon Essential Oil for Sustainable Antibacterial Packaging and Extended Shelf Life of Coriander Leaves

Abstract

This study introduces a novel approach by developing cellulose nanopapers derived from pineapple pomace and impregnated with cinnamon essential oil (CEO) in the range of 1–5 wt.%. This innovative material aims to enhance the shelf life of coriander leaves through antibacterial packaging. Comparative analyses encompassed structural, crystalline, morphological, physico‐mechanical, water barrier, permeability, and antibacterial properties against control samples. Incorporating CEO yielded a reduction in crystallinity index and tensile strength, attributed to a plasticizing effect. The addition of 5 wt.% CEO led to a remarkable 46% increase in elongation at break. Enhanced thermal stability, with a Tmax rise of 26 °C, is attributed to hydrogen bonding between CEO and cellulose molecules. The nanopapers exhibited notable reductions in oxygen and water vapor transmission rates (24% and 32% respectively) compared to control nanopapers. Impressive antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli is observed. These developed nanopapers are applied as active packaging for coriander leaves, extending their shelf life by up to 3 and 15 days without and with refrigeration. Moreover, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and moisture content in coriander leaves stored with CEO‐loaded nanopapers remained akin to fresh leaves. Thus, this study presents an environmentally friendly antibacterial packaging solution with potential for sustainable application.