Compression molded LLDPE films loaded with bimetallic (Ag-Cu) nanoparticles and cinnamon essential oil for chicken meat packaging applications

This study describes the development of bioactive linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films, blended with cinnamon essential oil (CEO), and selected concentrations of silver-copper (Ag-Cu) nanoparticles (NPs), and processed by compression molding. Influence of Ag-Cu NPs and CEO on thermo-rheological, structural, barrier, morphological and antimicrobial properties of LLDPE composite films were investigated. Ag-Cu NPs reinforcement effectively improved the mechanical and barrier properties of the films, whereas, CEO improved the flexibility of the composite films by lowering the complex viscosity and the melting temperature. The composite films exhibited excellent anti-UV properties, and appearance of new peaks corresponding to the aromatic domain with N-H bending vibration was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Films loaded with Ag-Cu NPs and 50% CEO showed maximum antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni. Chicken samples contaminated with S. Typhimurium and C. jejuni; packed in the composite films containing 4% (w/w) Ag-Cu and 50% CEO (w/w), and stored at refrigerated temperature for 21 days showed a complete inhibition.