Release kinetics of pectin/eugenol composite film and application in pork preservation

Abstract Biodegradable active packaging materials have received growing attention for extending the shelf life of foodstuffs. A Pectin/eugenol (Pe/Eu) composite film is prepared by casting from pectin and eugenol. The morphology and wettability of the composite film are characterized. The antioxidant activity of the composite film is determined with DPPH method. Special attention is given to the release kinetics of Eu from Pe/Eu composite film and its application in pork preservation. The results display that Eu increased the surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and antioxidant activity of the composite film. In addition, the release mechanism of Eu from Pe/Eu composite film is controlled by diffusion. The release behavior of Eu in Pe/Eu composite film can prolong the shelf life of pork. Therefore, our results suggest that Pe/Eu composite films can provide new ways for active packaging materials to extend the shelf life of animal‐based protein foods.