Effects of a combination of antimicrobial silver low density polyethylene nanocomposite films and modified atmosphere packaging on the shelf life of chicken breast fillets

• Silver/LDPE nanocomposite films (Ag/LDPE) were manufactured via extrusion.
• Tensile strength of Ag/LDPE was significantly lower compare to control LDPE.
• A combination of MAP & Ag/LDPE extended the shelf life of chicken breast fillets.
• Ag/LDPE nanocomposite films could potentially be used as antimicrobial packaging.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposite films containing different concentrations of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) (0.5 and 1% of polymer weight, w/w) were manufactured via extrusion and subsequently characterised. The microbiological quality of chicken breast fillets wrapped with Ag/LDPE nanocomposite films, followed by modified atmosphere packaging (using conventional laminates and employing a gas mix of 40% CO2:60% N2) were assessed. The tensile strength of Ag/LDPE nanocomposite films were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than control films (without Ag NPs), indicating that the presence of Ag NPs reduced the film strength. Independent of the concentration of Ag NPs used, Ag/LDPE nanocomposite films extended the shelf life of the chicken breast fillets and significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced oxidative stability compared to control films. The results indicated that LDPE nanocomposite films containing Ag NPs could potentially be used as antimicrobial packaging for food applications.