Sustainable packaging film based on cellulose nanofibres/pullulan impregnated with zinc-doped carbon dots derived from avocado peel to extend the shelf life of chicken and tofu

A cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/pullulan (PUL) based multifunctional composite film was developed for active packaging applications by incorporating Zn-doped avocado-derived carbon dots (Zn-ACDs). The incorporation of Zn-ACDs improved the interfacial compatibility and produced a dense cross-sectional structure of the composite films. The Zn-ACDs added film showed no significant difference in water vapor permeability and surface hydrophilicity compared to the neat CNF/PUL film, but the tensile strength and elongation at break increased by ~45.4 % and ~64.1 %, respectively. The addition of 5 wt% Zn-ACDs to the CNF/PUL matrix resulted in 100.0 % UV blocking properties, excellent antioxidant activity (100.0 % for ABTS and 68.0 % for DPPH), and complete eradication of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 after 3 h of exposure. The CNF/PUL composite film with Zn-ACDs applied to the active packaging of chicken and tofu significantly reduced the total growth of aerobic microorganisms without significantly changing the actual color of the packaged chicken and tofu for 9 days at 10°C. This study demonstrates that CNF/PUL composite films with Zn-ACDs are a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for protecting food from microbial contamination.