Zinc oxide nanorods/clove essential oil incorporated Type B gelatin composite films and its applicability for shrimp packaging

Bovine skin gelatin (BSG) composite films incorporated with 2% zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) and clove essential oil (CEO) (25 and 50%, w/w of protein) were prepared and characterized. Depending on the different combinations of ZnO and CEO concentration, tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) varied. ZnO NRs produced a film with low flexibility and high in mechanical resistance. The oxygen and UV barrier property of BSG/CEO films increased by incorporating ZnO NR. FTIR spectra revealed that the molecular organization of the BSG composite films changed significantly. The microstructural study showed that the incorporation of ZnO NRs prevented porosity of BSG/CEO films. Composite films loaded with 50% CEO, especially in combination with ZnO NRs, showed maximum antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated in shrimp during refrigerated storage. The results indicate that the developed BSG/CEO/ZnO NRs film could be utilized as active packaging for peeled shrimp.