High-performance multifunctional gelatin-based films engineered with metal-organic frameworks for active food packaging applications

Eco-friendly multifunctional composite films were designed using gelatin (Gel) and metal-organic frameworks ZIF-8 (Zn-MOFs) to meet the demand for active packaging that ensures food shelf life. The synthesized Zn-MOF nanostructures exhibited a dodecahedral morphology with antioxidant activity, UV absorption, and antibacterial properties. The added Zn-MOFs particles showed good dispersion in the gelatin matrix, creating a dense composite film structure. The incorporation of Zn-MOFs enhanced the physical characteristics of the developed films, such as water resistance, thermal stability, tensile strength, and UV shielding properties. The addition of 1 and 3 wt% Zn-MOFs in the gelatin matrix resulted in 84.4% and 100% antioxidant activity, respectively. MOFs-loaded gelatin film demonstrated excellent antibacterial function against Gram-positive (S. aureus & L. monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (S. enterica & E. coli) bacteria. The potential application of the engineered composite films in the food packaging field is studied by fresh cherry tomato packing, and physicochemical and microbiological properties of packed samples were monitored for a storage period of 16 days at 10 °C. The Gel/Zn-MOF3% film retarded the texture deterioration of packed tomatoes and displayed a microorganism growth prevention effect, expecting its practical potential for use in multifunctional active packaging prospects.