Fish active packaging with ZnO/Fe-MMT nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Active packaging is crucial for enhancing food safety and reducing spoilage.
• Extending the shelf life of perishable seafood like rainbow fish is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel hybrid nanocomposite active packaging system.
• To assess the effectiveness of this packaging in delaying spoilage and extending the shelf life of rainbow fish fillets.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of active packaging using Ethylene vinyl acetate, rosemary extract, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and modified iron (Fe-MMT).
• Characterization of active films using XRD and FESEM analyses.
• Assessment of fish fillet spoilage using total sulfhydryl, volatile nitrogen, and lipid oxidation tests.

Main Results:

• The hybrid nanocomposite active packaging effectively delayed spoilage in rainbow fish fillets.
• Volatile nitrogen levels remained well below the spoilage limit (9.45 mg 100 g⁻¹ vs. 25 mg 100 g⁻¹).
• Sensory qualities of the fish fillets were maintained throughout the extended shelf life.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid nanocomposite active packaging significantly enhances the shelf life of rainbow fish fillets.
• This innovative packaging solution improves food safety and reduces waste in the seafood industry.
• Wider adoption of such active packaging can lead to fresher seafood products for consumers.