LAUSR

Abstract Nanotechnology offers new possibilities to modify different aspects of biopolymer films in order to improve their performance in food packaging. The present study assessed the effect of nanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), okra mucilage (OM), and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the shelf-life of packed chicken breast meat stored at 4 °C. Treatments examined in the present study were the following: CMC, CMC/ZnO, CMC/OM30%/ZnO, CMC/OM40%/ZnO, and CMC/OM50%/ZnO. Total viable counts (TVC), Staphylococcus aureus counts, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) counts, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile nitrogen (TVN), instrumental color (CIE L*, a*, b*), and sensory attribute were determined at a gap of 3-day interval for a period of 12 days. Irrespective of the film type, an increasing trend for all microorganisms was observed over the storage time. However, the growth was significantly inhibited by okra mucilage and ZnO nanoparticles used in the packaging system (P