Nanocellulose incorporated Polylactic Acid Films for chilled preservation of Indian Anchovy (Stolephorus indicus) (van Hasselt, 1823)

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) nanocellulose (NC) films were fabricated by compounding different levels (1%, 2% and 3%) of nanocellulose into the PLA matrix to improve the mechanical properties. The mixed PLA and NC of different percentage were extruded into tubular blown films using a co-rotating extruder. The films were analysed for different mechanical and physical properties. The addition of nanocellulose significantly improved the tensile strength and the heat sealing properties of the films. The water vapour transmission rate did not show much difference between the different levels of NC filler. The surface morphology of the obtained films was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compositional analysis was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and it revealed that nanocellulose interacted with PLA. Stolephorus indicus (anchovy) (van Hasselt, 1823) were packed in different PLA/NC films and kept in chilled condition for 20 days to evaluate the preservative effect. Biochemical parameters such as peroxide value, free fatty acid, trimethylamine, total volatile base nitrogen and microbial parameter such as total plate count were carried out during the storage period. The results proved that the fish samples packed in different PLA/nanocellulose films had better shelf life compared to neat PLA and LDPE films during the chilled storage.