Development and characterization of kefiran-gelatin bio-nanocomposites containing Zhumeria majdae essential oil nanoemulsion to use as active food packaging in sponge cakes.

Active packaging films based on kefiran-gelatin were developed and characterized using Zhumeria majdae essential oil nanoemulsion (ZMEO-NE) at concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 2 and 3 %. The main compounds of the essential oil (EO) of Zhumeria majdae (ZM) plant were linalool (61.44 %) and camphor (20.67 %). Adding the ZMEO-NE to the films decreased permeability to water vapor (from 7.82 × 10 to 4.09 × 10 g·m/m·Pa·h), ultimate tensile strength (from 38.44 to 33.48 MPa), percentage of light transmission, and increased thickness (from 0.085 to 0.121 mm), opacity (from 2.11 to 2.79), and elongation at break (from 19.97 to 34.73 %), and changed color parameters. The establishment of hydrogen bonds between the ZMEO-NE and polymer network was confirmed. The ZMEO-NE decreased the storage modulus and glass transition temperature. Distinct variations in the films' surface morphology and a reduction in the crystalline structure were observed due to the presence of the ZMEO-NE. Elevating the concentration of the ZMEO-NE increased antioxidant capabilities of the films. The films incorporating the ZMEO-NE exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (reductions ≥4 log CFU/cm) and Escherichia coli (reductions ≥2 log CFU/cm) bacteria. The films also demonstrated suitable antifungal properties during storage of sponge cakes for 16 days.