Gelatin/pectin‐based film incorporated with essential oils: Functional characteristics and shelf life extension of tilapia fillets under refrigeration

Fish gelatin‐pectin (GelExt/Pec) composite films incorporated with Mentha pulegium essential oil (MEO) and Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LEO) at two concentrations (0.5% and 1.5%) were developed and their physicochemical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties were determined. GelExt/Pec‐based film incorporated with 1.5% MEO (GelExt/Pec + 1.5% MEO) showed the highest antimicrobial activity against all bacterial strains tested. Incorporation of essential oils decreased significantly the tensile strength of all the films investigated. The film showing the best functional and antimicrobial properties (Gelext/Pec + 1.5% MEO) was used to prolong the shelf life of tilapia fillets under refrigeration. Control (unwrapped) and wrapped fillets were analyzed every 3 days in terms of microbiological (total viable count (TVC), psychrotrophic bacteria count (PC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Enterobacteriaceae (ENT), and physicochemical parameters (total volatile base nitrogen [TVB‐N] and pH). Gelext/Pec + 1.5% MEO antimicrobial film retarded significantly (p < .05) the growth of TVC, LAB, PC, and ENT, throughout 12 days of storage compared with the control. Gelext/Pec + 1.5% MEO could be considered as an effective packaging to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of tilapia fillets under refrigeration.