Carboxymethyl cellulose-based multifunctional film combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles and grape seed extract for the preservation of high-fat meat products

CMC-based functional films incorporated with grape seed extract (GSE, 5 wt% of CMC) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs, 1, 2, and 3 wt% of CMC) were fabricated via the solution casting method. The addition of GSE provided an excellent antioxidant activity to the CMC-based films, exhibiting nearly 95% and 25% scavenging activity against ABTS and DPPH oxidative free radicals. It also gave the film 100% UV protection. On the other hand, the addition of ZnONPs increased the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties with potent antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes. High-fat beef was packaged in the CMC-based film and stored refrigerated for 15 days to investigate quality changes. The number of psychrotrophic bacteria in the meat wrapped with CMC/ZnO3%/GSE film was 5.9 Log CFU/g, within the acceptable range. In addition, the film virtually prevented lipid oxidation in the meat when refrigerated, reducing it by 88%. Therefore, the CMC/ZnO3%/GSE film can be used as a sustainable material in active packaging applications of high-fat meat products such as beef.