Shelf life extension of fish patty using biopolymer-coated active paper sheets

Abstract In this study, we developed active paper sheets, laminated with antimicrobial and antioxidant active coating layers, based on chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose mixture incorporated with glutaraldehyde and cinnamon essential oil (CEO). The effect of active paper sheets (APSs) on the quality of fish patties (FPs) was investigated within 16 days at 4 ± 1 °C. Significant changes were observed in the morphology and FTIR spectra of paper sheets after converting them to active form. APSs incorporated with CEO showed higher antimicrobial and antioxidant activities with a steady state character. We demonstrate APSs considerably improve the preservation quality of stored FPs, enhancing chemical, microbial, and chromaticity charactristics. An increase in the shelf life of FPs was achieved from 8 to 12 days, after applying APSs. Therefore, APSs can be considered as a promising method to retain the quality and expand the shelf life of FP.