Development and characterization of edible film containing keratin nanocarriers loaded with N. nucifera seedpod extract

• Keratin from goat hairs was converted into nanocarriers encapsulating N. nucifera seedpod extract. • The nanocarriers enhanced the mechanical and bioactive properties of the film. • The film was evaluated for physico-mechanical, microstructural, bioactive, and functional properties. • The results indicate the suitability of the film for food preservation. Edible films prepared from organic macromolecules have evolved as sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to standard petroleum-based packaging. The present study aimed to develop a novel carrageenan-based bioactive film using keratin nanocarriers loaded with N. nucifera seedpod extract (KNP-Ex). An ultrasonication-based method was used to prepare the nanocarriers using the keratin derived from goat hairs and the extract from N. nucifera seedpod extract, a waste-to-wealth concept. The films containing keratin nanocarriers (KNP) and extract-loaded keratin nanocarriers (KNP-Ex) were compared with the control films without any nanocarriers. The films were characterized for various physicochemical (such as SDS-PAGE, LC/MS, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and TGA analysis), physicomechanical (thickness, tensile strength, surface analysis, biodegradability, transparency, and solubility) and bioactive properties [antioxidant (DPPH-radical scavenging assay) and antimicrobial (disk diffusion assay)]. The results of our study indicate the potential of keratin nanocarriers as payloads to infuse bioactive properties and modify the mechanical and functional characteristics of the film. This film can provide fundamental protective functions and can be applied to improve the storage quality of foods.