Work

NADES-extracted tea stem polyphenols as multifunctional additives in chitosan films for shrimp preservation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Developing appropriate packaging technologies is crucial for maintaining shrimp quality and reducing potential food safety risks. Meanwhile, concerns over the environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics have accelerated the development of biodegradable packaging from renewable resources. In this study, bioactive chitosan (CS) composite films were developed by incorporating tea stem extract obtained using a choline chloride–glycerol-based natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). The DES tea stem extract (DTSE) served a dual function as a plasticizer and a bioactive agent. Results showed that DTSE incorporation improved film flexibility (maximum EAB of 173%), enhanced antioxidant capacity (maximum DPPH scavenging rate of 94.8%), and provided moderate UV barrier properties without compromising hydrophobicity. Application of the CS/DTSE composite films in shrimp meat preservation demonstrated significant efficacy: the films effectively maintained shrimp meat appearance, slowed pH increase, reduced weight loss, suppressed lipid oxidation and protein degradation, inhibited microbial growth, and minimized off-odor development, thereby significantly extending shrimp shelf life by 2–3 days. These findings indicate that NADES-extracted tea polyphenols can serve as a sustainable and multifunctional additive, providing an effective strategy for the development of active packaging materials that extend the shelf life of perishable seafood products while valorizing tea stem waste. • Chitosan films incorporated with NADES-extracted tea stem polyphenols. • DTSE improved film flexibility, antioxidant activity, and UV barrier. • CS/DTSE films effectively prolonged shrimp shelf life and valorized tea waste. • DTSE addition enhanced film hydrophobicity and reduced water vapor permeability. • Composite films inhibited lipid oxidation and microbial growth in shrimp.

Source: LWT

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2025.118941

Authors: Lin-Kun Sun, Tian Du, Pei-Ru Zhou, Yu-Cang Zhang, Yan-Zhen Zheng

Institution: Jimei University

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Life below water, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240