Development and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose based probiotic nanocomposite film containing cellulose nanofiber and inulin for chicken fillet shelf life extension.

Bioactive packaging is an alternative new technology for preserving the quality and safety of food products with providing health benefits. In this way, the Lactobacillus plantarum, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and inulin incorporated carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based probiotic nanocomposite film was prepared. The fabricated film samples were characterized by FTIR, FE-SEM, XRD and DSC analyses, that the obtained results indicated the good compatibility between CMC, CNF, and inulin. As a result, the CMC-based probiotic films containing CNF and inulin exhibited satisfactory water barrier and mechanical properties. Additionally, the viability of probiotic bacteria in the CMC-based films was significantly (p < 0.05) increased (36%) by addition of inulin as a prebiotic ingredient during storage time. Probiotic film sample showed antibacterial activity against nine pathogens and also extended the chicken fillet shelf life when wrapped on the meat. In conclusion, the application of CNF and inulin incorporated CMC-based probiotic nanocomposite film as a bioactive food packaging system opens up a new horizon for improving the shelf life of food products and providing the health benefits for consumers.