Biobased antioxidant packaging from chitosan incorporating cashew leaf extract and TiO2 nanoparticles for soybean oil preservation

In this study, antioxidant chitosan (CS)-based packaging films were functionalized with cashew leaf extract (CE) (1.5%, w/v; as a source of natural antioxidant additive for food preservation) and/or titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 ) (0.5%, w/w based on CS content; as UV-blocking additives). TiO 2 nanoparticles improved the mechanical properties [tensile strength (24.62 MPa), elongation at break (39.37%)] of the CS films. The addition of CE greatly improved the antioxidant activity (66.31%) of the CS films and significantly affected the structure of the CS matrix, as evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy and XRD. The CS films functionalized with CE and TiO 2 exhibited the lowest L* value (63.96), UV-visible light transmission (0.01-38.77%), and water contact angle (59.2°) and the highest water vapor permeability (5.30 10 -10 g m m -2 s -1 Pa -1 ), compared with those of the CS-based films functionalized with CE or TiO 2 nanoparticles alone ( p < 0.05). Moreover, oxidation of soybean oil packed with either CS/CE/TiO 2 films or control CS films was monitored for 21 days under accelerated storage conditions. The CS/CE/TiO 2 pouches showed a preventive effect on lipid oxidation of soybean oil, as evidenced by lower peroxide values after 21 days. Consequently, the CS/CE/TiO 2 films could serve as an antioxidant packaging film to extend the shelf life of lipid-containing foods. • Chitosan films containing cashew leaf extract and TiO 2 nanoparticles were developed. • Cashew leaf extract and TiO 2 improved UV-blocking and antioxidant property of film. • The developed antioxidant film could use for the preservation of soybean oil.