Active food packaging based on chitosan-gelatin nanocomposites functionalized with bioactive nanoparticles: fabrication, properties, and application in seafood preservation

Addressing the dual challenges of perishable food waste and plastic packaging pollution necessitates innovative solutions. This study developed eco-friendly active films by embedding functional nanoparticles (ZCDG NPs, synthesized from zein, curcumin, dihydroquercetin, and gum Arabic) into a chitosan-gelatin (CS/Gel) matrix (CS/Gel-ZCDG-NPs films). Structural analysis (SEM, AFM) showed a smooth, dense, biocompatible microstructure. The nanocomposite films significantly outperformed CS/Gel films in key properties: Tensile strength has been increased from 2.80 MPa to 5.40 MPa, a 92.8 % increase. The water vapor permeability decreased by 80.72 %, the oxygen permeability decreased by 33.05 %, and the ultraviolet-visible transmittance in the visible light range was reduced to 48 %. FTIR confirmed ZCDG NPs integration into the hydrocolloid network via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This integration synergistically boosted functional activities, providing potent antibacterial efficacy (>90 % inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus ) and high antioxidant capacity (88.6 % DPPH, 81.4 % ABTS scavenging). As an active, potentially biodegradable packaging, CS/Gel-ZCDG NPs films effectively extended the refrigerated shelf life of Golden pompano and Penaeus vannamei by up to 6 days at 4 ± 1 °C. More importantly, the changes in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N value decreased by 35.76 % and 26.65 %) and lipid oxidation degree (TBARS value declined by 78.96 % and 47.83 %) on the 8th day can prove the preservation effect. This study describes the synergistic enhancement process of functional nanoparticles in composite packaging materials and introduces a new food preservation material.