Development of multifunctional nanocomposites containing cellulose nanofibrils and soy proteins as food packaging materials

[Display omitted] •Acidic soy protein films containing CNF and PNE were prepared.•CNF enhanced the mechanical properties of the films.•Addition of CNF and PNE greatly improved the light barrier property of the films.•PNE significantly increased the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the films.•CNF induced interactions with active film components and mitigated their release. This study aimed to develop novel multifunctional soy protein-based packaging materials with the incorporation of cellulose nanofibril (CNF), Cedrus deodara pine needle extract (PNE), and lactic acid. The effects of the loaded components on the physical and functional properties of nanocomposites were evaluated. Results indicate that the incorporation of CNF into the composite enhanced its tensile strength due to the filling effects of CNF. The addition of CNF and PNE greatly enhanced the light barrier property of films. Moreover, the films containing PNE displayed strong antioxidant activity and significantly improved antimicrobial effects on foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes). The incorporation of CNF modified the antimicrobial performance of composite films by mitigating the release of PNE and lactic acid from the film matrix. These results demonstrate that as-prepared nanocomposites possess excellent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and light barrier capacities, which gives them great potential to be used as an active biodegradable food packaging material.