Active packaging based on swim bladder gelatin/galangal root oil nanofibers: Preparation, properties and antibacterial application

In this work, swim bladder gelatin (SBG) nanofibers incorporating galangal root oil/beta-cyclodextrin (GRO/beta-CD) were fabricated by electrospinning for antibacterial packaging use. SBG exhibits desirable fiber-forming properties due to its unique amino acid composition. Specifically, beta-CD played an essential role in preventing GRO volatilization by forming GRO/beta-CD inclusion complex during electrospinning. FTIR and XRD results confirmed that GRO was successfully encapsulated in the beta-CD cavity through the process assisted with ultrasound. Besides, the hydrogen bonding interactions were major forces both in inclusion complex and nanofibers, which enhanced the thermal stability. The release kinetic curve demonstrated that the release mechanism of GRO from nanofibers was subject to Fickian diffusion. In the application experiment, the prepared nanofiber mats showed efficient inhibitory effect against EHEC O157, and little influence on the sensory properties of beef. Our findings provided a feasible strategy to explore application potential of natural antibacterial substances in active food packaging.