Work

Innovation in sustainable packaging for red meat: Electrospun polycaprolactone nanofibers with purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) extract and oil

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers containing Portulaca oleracea L. extract and oil were developed as innovative biodegradable active packaging for red meat preservation. Phytochemical analysis confirmed high levels of bioactives, including quercetin (8.2 g/100 g), kaempferol (6.3 g/100 g), and linoleic acid (40.0 g/100 g), which contribute to strong antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Purslane oil showed superior DPPH radical scavenging activity (38.37 %) compared to the extract (24.66 %), with total phenolic content ranging from 0.13 to 0.29 mg GAE/100 g. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were 0.625 mg/mL for E. coli and 1.25 mg/mL for S. aureus . Morphological (FESEM, TEM) and structural (FTIR, TGA/DSC) analyses confirmed uniform fiber formation and thermal stability. Oil-based fibers exhibited greater weight loss (150–350 °C) and up to 73.92 % biodegradation. Cell viability exceeded 80 % in the MTT assay. Meat samples wrapped with these nanofibers showed delayed lipid oxidation (TBA: 0.059 meq/kg) and reduced microbial growth (CFU: <10 6 ), alongside better pH retention. Sensory scores for oil-based fibers averaged 4.8/5 in aroma and acceptability. This study uniquely combines extract and oil in electrospun PCL nanofibers for dual antioxidant and antimicrobial functions. Results demonstrate that Purslane-loaded nanofibers provide a safe, sustainable, and effective method to extend red meat shelf life while maintaining quality. • PCL nanofibers with purslane extract and oil showed strong antioxidant and antibacterial activity. • Oil-loaded nanofibers showed lower swelling and better mechanical stability. • Purslane nanofibers showed >80 % cell viability, confirming biocompatibility. • Purslane oil nanofiber packaging lowered oxidation and improved sensory quality in meat.

Source: LWT

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2025.118294

Authors: Sara Koochaki, Saeedeh Arabshahi-Delouee, Mehdi Sheikh Arabi, Abolfazl Fadavi, Abdollah Ardebili

Institutions: Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr Branch, Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240