Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: II. Application in bio-based plastics for active packaging

► Encapsulation of eugenol into chitosan nanoparticles could improve thermal stability of eugenol. ► Plastic with encapsulated eugenol showed greater antioxidant activity than that with naked eugenol. ► Incorporation of eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles improved water vapor barrier property of plastic. ► Plastic containing encapsulated eugenol could possibly be applied as an antioxidant active material.