Polylactic Acid Film Coated with Electrospun Gelatin/Chitosan Nanofibers Containing Betel Leaf Ethanolic Extract: Properties, Bioactivities, and Use for Shelf-Life Extension of Tilapia Slices

Gelatin/chitosan solutions incorporated with betel leaf ethanolic extract (BLEE) at varying concentrations were electrospun on polylactic acid (PLA) films. Nanofibers with different morphologies, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were formed after solutions of gelatin/chitosan with and without BLEE were electrospun on PLA films at a constant voltage (25 kV) and a feed rate of 0.4 mL/h. Beaded gelatin/chitosan nanofibers (GC/NF) were found, particularly when high concentrations of BLEE were encapsulated. PLA films coated with GC/NF, and with BLEE added, showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which were augmented by increasing BLEE concentrations. Lower water vapor permeability and enhanced mechanical properties were achieved for GC/NF-coated PLA film (p < 0.05). Microbial growth and lipid oxidation of Nile tilapia slices packaged in PLA film coated with GC/NF containing 2% BLEE were more retarded than those packaged in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags over refrigerated storage of 12 days. Based on microbial limits, the shelf-life was escalated to 9 days, while the control had a shelf-life of 3 days. Therefore, such a novel film/bag could be a promising active packaging for foods.