Development of polycaprolactone-based electrospun nanofiber incorporated lemon beebrush essential oil-loaded metal-organic frameworks as a novel active food packaging for meat preservation

This research involved the development of novel antimicrobial and antioxidant food packaging using electrospun nanofibrous films (ENFs) made of polycaprolactone (PCL) with added lemon beebrush (Aloysia Citriodora) essential oil (LEO)–loaded chromium(III)-metal–organic framework (Cr(III)-MOF) to extend the shelf life of red meat. We conducted a comprehensive range of microstructure, physical, and mechanical tests on nanofibers based on PCL. The PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofibers displayed improved thermal stability, anti-deformation capacity, and increased TS (62.3–68.2 MPa) but reduced flexibility (32.6–28.2 %). Moreover, the inclusion of LEO@Cr(III)-MOF led to a decreased hydrophobic surface due to the formation of hydrogen bonds, as well as a reduction in the water vapor barrier (2.8–2.2 × 10−11 g m/m2. s. Pa). Additionally, the PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofibers exhibited antibacterial (E. coli (20.3 mm) and S. aureus (24.3 mm)) and antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) activity. The effectiveness of PCL-based nanofibers was evaluated in red meat samples stored at a temperature of 4 °C, and the findings demonstrated that PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofibers preserved the chemical (pH, TVB-N, PV, and TBA) and microbial quality (PTC and TVC) of the samples and prolonged their shelf life by 18 days. These findings indicate the promising potential of the developed PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF electrospun nanofibers for active food packaging. •The synthesis and preparation of PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofiber films were successfully completed.•The presence of LEO and Cr(III)-MOF improved the physicochemical properties of PCL-based nanofibrous films.•The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of PCL-based nanofibrous films increased in the presence of LEO@Cr(III)-MOF.•The encapsulation of LEO within the Cr(III)-MOF structure resulted in the sustained slow release of LEO in PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofibrous films.•PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofiber films are able to extend the shelf life of red meat.