Bio-Nanocomposite Active Packaging Films Incorporating β-Cyclodextrin Nanoemulsions with Cerium Oxide and Melanin Nanoparticles for Enhanced Food Preservation

Nanoparticle-based active packaging offers a promising strategy to enhance food safety and shelf stability through targeted functionalization. In this work, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) and melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized and incorporated into a β-cyclodextrin nanoemulsion (β-CD-NE) to construct a multifunctional inclusion nanocarrier system. The resulting hybrid nanocarriers were embedded within a sodium alginate (SA) matrix to form a bio-nanocomposite film (SA-β-CD-CeO 2 -MNP-NE). Film morphology was analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and its structural and thermal characteristics were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Barrier and environmental performance were further assessed through water vapor transmission rate and biodegradability tests. Incorporation of the hybrid nanoparticles enhanced the film’s mechanical strength by 45% relative to the pristine SA film. The biodegradable SA-β-CD-CeO 2 -MNP-NE film exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activity, effectively suppressing microbial growth and extending the shelf life of packaged button mushrooms. These findings demonstrate the potential of β-cyclodextrin-stabilized cerium oxide and melanin nanoparticle systems for sustainable, multifunctional food packaging applications.