Characterization and application of Cinnamaldehyde-loaded zein nanoparticles in a polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan film for silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) packaging

This study aims to prepare and characterize cinnamaldehyde-loaded zein/sodium alginate nanoparticles (ZCNPs) and incorporate them into polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) bioactive films (PSCN) to investigate their compatibility, physicochemical properties, and their application as a preservation material for pomfret fish. The results indicate that the anionic sodium alginate coating improved the particle size, zeta potential, and PDI of zein nanoparticles. The ZCNPs were uniformly dispersed within the films, enhancing the mechanical properties and water vapor barrier performance. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses confirmed the amorphous structure of the films and the formation of hydrogen bonds. In the PVA/CS film, with the increase of ZCNPs, the thermal decomposition temperature of the film increased from 298 °C to 308 °C, while the film thickness and water contact angle were not significantly affected, remaining around 0.31 cm and 23°, respectively. Additionally, after the incorporation of ZCNPs, the DPPH radical scavenging rate of the film increased from 14.58 % to 95.38 %, significantly delaying the quality deterioration of pomfret during storage.