Preparation of PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat for the preservation of chilled pork

Abstract

SummaryThis study aimed to prolong the shelf life of chilled pork by simply preparing antimicrobial packaging. β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) cross‐linked polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with citric acid, and then embedded eugenol (EG) into β‐CD to make the antimicrobial mat. Release tests showed that the EG in the mat can be slowly released in a 50% ethanol solution. Continuous release of EG could significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. Compared to the control group, the pH, TBARS, TVB‐N and TVC decreased significantly in the treatment group with increasing storage time, especially from 5 to 7 days (P < 0.05). The sensory evaluation results also showed that PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat increased overall acceptance of chilled pork. PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat prolonged the shelf life of chilled pork for 2–4 days. These results suggested that PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat effectively protected the quality of chilled pork, and had certain application value as an active packaging.