Preparation and application of bio-based degradable films loaded with Litsea Cubeba essential oil microcapsules for the preservation of refrigerated sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus).

Abstract

This study developed Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) microcapsules (LWM) incorporated into chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CP) films to create active composite packaging (CPM), with their physicochemical properties and preservative effects on refrigerated sea bass systematically evaluated. SEM confirmed that LCEO was effectively encapsulated within whey protein isolate-maltodextrin (WPI-MD) wall materials, forming stable microcapsule structures. Furthermore, incorporating 0.8% LWM significantly enhanced film performance, increasing tensile strength by 101.2% and reducing oxygen transmission rate by 58.4%, while providing superior sustained-release properties with a 35.7% lower LCEO release rate than the control. Moreover, CPM films exhibited strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities, along with excellent biodegradability. Preservation experiments proved that the CPM composite film successfully increased the first-grade freshness by 3 d and the shelf-life by 6 d. Therefore, this work provides a promising approach for developing bio-based active packaging to maintain the quality and extend the shelf-life of perishable seafood.