Development of electrospun fish gelatin film containing lauroyl arginate ethyl and its application in large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) preservation

Fish gelatin films containing lauroyl arginate ethyl (LAE) at different loading amount (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%, w/w) were successfully fabricated by electrospinning. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated that LAE was encapsulated in electrospun fish gelatin films, and there was hydrogen bond between LAE and fish gelatin. Scanning electron microscopy observation demonstrated that the electrospun fibers were uniform and the fiber diameters ranged from 164 to 193 nm. Meanwhile, thermogravimetric analysis showed that all the electrospun films exhibited high thermal stability. It was observed that the LAE loaded films had good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the effect of LAE (2%, w/w) loaded electrospun films on fish preservation was investigated by comparing with other packaging methods. The electrospun fish gelatin films could absorb water on the surface of fish fillets and transform into hydrogel coating. Results suggest that the LAE loaded hydrogel coating could delay decay of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) fillets and extend the refrigerated shelf life by about three days. In conclusion, the electrospun fish gelatin films containing LAE have potential use for antibacterial food packaging.