Design and application of soy protein isolate films reinforced with Janus nanoparticles for active packaging of minced meat

Main Article Content

Roghayieh Razavi
Mehran Moradi
Hossein Tajik
Rahim Molaei

Keywords

Janus nanoparticles; Soy protein isolate; Active packaging; Minced meat

Abstract

This study aimed to develop active soy protein isolate (SPI)-based packaging films incorporating Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) to improve the shelf life of minced meat. JNPs were synthesized using carboxymethyl cellulose and beeswax-based hydrophobic carbon dots and incorporated into SPI films at 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1% (w/w). Films were characterized for microstructure, antibacterial and antioxidant activities, mechanical properties, color, release pattern, and UV-blocking properties. FTIR and FESEM confirmed the homogeneous dispersion of JNPs. SPI-JNP0.1% films exhibited improved tensile strength (15.2 MPa vs. 9.6 MPa in SPI film) and elastic modulus (175.7 MPa vs. 112.5 MPa in SPI film), with slightly reduced elongation (31.4% vs. 36.5% in SPI film). Release studies showed that JNPs diffusion into food simulants was concentration-dependent. Antibacterial tests revealed superior inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes. When applied to beef, SPI-JNP films (0.1%) reduced total mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts by 4.4 and 4.2 log₁₀ CFU/g after 9 days at 7 °C. These results highlight the potential of JNPs as functional nanofillers in biodegradable food packaging.

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