Cellulose Nanofiber and Carrageenan Films Infused Eugenol for Food Preservation

¹ Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology & Process, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
² Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
³ School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
⁴ Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, University Malaysia Kelantan, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: ainiazman@umpsa.edu.my

Abstract

This study explores the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of bio-based polymer films made from semi-refined carrageenan (SRC), plasticized with glycerol, and enhanced with eugenol to inhibit lipid degradation in meat patties. The active films were developed using 2% w/w SRC, 0.9% v/v glycerol, 10% v/v cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a reinforcing agent, and 0.2% and 0.4% v/v eugenol (Eu). The wettability of the films was evaluated using contact angle analysis, while weight loss was assessed through soil burial degradation over a period of four weeks. Additional tests examined the films’ swelling and transparency properties. Lipid degradation in meat patties was measured using Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). The CNG-0.4%Eu films showed a contact angle of 109.01º and a swelling rate of 93.44%. The antioxidant films successfully delayed lipid oxidation in meat patties, with final TBARS values of 0.768–0.844 mg malondialdehyde per kg of sample. Therefore, the CNG-0.4%Eu formulation demonstrates potential as an alternative food packaging material to extend shelf life.