Characterisation of chitosan coating incorporated with oleuropein and its effects on the quality of refrigerated chicken breasts

Summary The stability, microstructure and antioxidant capacity of the composite coating solution of chitosan (CS) and oleuropein (OLE, 0.08–0.32%, w/v) were estimated by zeta potential, rheological properties, scanning electron microscope and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays. Effects of the composite coating on refrigerated chicken breasts were evaluated by microbial, chemical and sensory assays. The results revealed that the coating solutions were stable, intact and exhibited good antioxidant activities. When chicken samples were stored at 4 °C for 12 days, the microbial population treated with CS + OLE decreased to 5.43–7.59 log CFU g −1 compared with the control (8.41 log CFU g −1 ). The increase in pH values, total volatile base nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances contents, and drip loss rate of chicken samples had also been deferred. Overall, the results indicated that it was feasible to apply CS with OLE to extend the shelf life of chicken breasts.