Watermelon peel-based active nanocomposite films reinforced with chitosan nanofibers and hedge nettle essential oil for chicken fillet packaging

In line with the increasing trend of using packaging materials based on food and agricultural waste, this study aims to design an active film for chicken fillet packaging based on watermelon peel and chitosan nanofibers (CHNFs) that is activated with hedge nettle essential oil (HNEO). The concentrations of CHNFs (0, 5, and 10%) and HNEO (0, 1.5, and 3%) were optimized in the films. The addition of 5% CHNFs and 3% HNEO significantly enhanced water barrier properties (moisture absorption 14.18%, water vapor permeability 4.96×10−7 g/Pa.h.m, and water contact angle 95.51°) and mechanical properties (tensile strength 16.01 MPa and elongation at break 29.25%). Also, the film containing 5% CHNFs and 3% HNEO exhibited smooth and compact morphology with considerable antioxidant (45.85% DPPH scavenging activity) and antibacterial activities. The study of the chemical and crystalline structure of the samples confirmed the compatibility among watermelon peel, CHNFs, and HNEO. The use of the optimized film (5% CHNFs and 3% HNEO) for the packaging of chicken fillet significantly (p < 0.05) controlled the increasing trend of pH, TBARS, TVB-N, and total bacterial count in the samples during 12-day storage. In conclusion, the developed active and biodegradable film has potential for application in meat preservation.