Application of Biocomposite Films of Chitosan/Natural Active Compounds for Shelf Life Extension of Fresh Poultry Meat

Active packaging based on chitosan (Ch) incorporated with six different natural hydro-alcoholic extracts (HAE) (rosemary, green tea, black ginger, kenaf, and sage) were developed tested to extend the shelf life of fresh poultry meat. The quality meat packaged was assessed through physical-chemical microbiological characterization over 15 days refrigerated storage. In vitro antimicrobial activity pure films against Gram-positive (B. cereus) Gram-negative (S. enterica) foodborne bacteria also addressed. Pure showed by diffusion agar method only bacteria. Microbial analysis wrapped HAE a reduction 3.1–4.5 log CFU/g 2.5–4.0 total viable microorganisms coliforms, respectively. Ch + Kenaf Sage presented highest activity. Regarding oxidation degradation, as expected, TBARS values increased for all samples time. However, in biocomposites, except CH Sage, lower secondary metabolites (reduction 75–93%) content malonaldehyde. This protection superior Rosemary. film promising results retarding discoloration process increase pH Thus, biocomposites produced can pose an alternative technology enhance maintain its quality.