Rice Bran–Derived Bacterial Cellulose Films Fortified With ZIF‐8 for Multifunctional Food Packaging

ABSTRACT The development of sustainable and economical active food packaging remains a critical challenge for enhancing food quality and safety. This study presents an innovative strategy by utilising rice bran, an abundant agricultural waste product, to synthesise rice bran–derived bacterial cellulose (RBC) as a high‐value matrix for active food packaging. This matrix was reinforced with zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) to fabricate multifunctional nanocomposite films. Structural analyses confirmed the successful integration of ZIF‐8 into the RBC matrix via hydrogen bonding without disrupting its inherent crystalline lattice. The incorporation of ZIF‐8 significantly improved the physical and functional characteristics of the packaging. Specifically, the optimal formulation (0.2% ZIF‐8) enhanced tensile strength to 42.72 MPa and improved barrier properties against water vapour and oxygen. Notably, the film loaded with 0.1% ZIF‐8 exhibited remarkable antibacterial efficacy, achieving a 99.41% inhibition rate against Escherichia coli . During chilled pork preservation trials, the nanocomposite films effectively suppressed microbial proliferation, delayed lipid oxidation and minimised the accumulation of volatile spoilage compounds. These synergistic effects successfully extended the shelf life of the pork by 6 days, demonstrating the film's superior capacity to extend food shelf life and ensure microbiological safety. This work highlights the promising potential of valorising RBC as a sustainable and highly efficient platform for advanced active food packaging.