Flaxseed gum based biocomposite film modified with betel leaf extract: A novel packaging material for oxidative stability of meat patties

The study investigated the antioxidant effect on lipid and protein oxidation, microbial count and other physicochemical attributes of meat patties packaged in flaxseed gum (FSG) based films added with betel leaf extract (BLE) during refrigerated storage (4 +/- 1 degrees C) of 30 days. FSG films were developed after incorporating 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% of BLE (BLE0, BLE1, BLE2, BLE3 and BLE4) respectively. The patties showed no change in pH due to composite films however, a remarkable effect in retarding the weight loss and color change along with an improvement in sensory score and microbial quality. TBARS of the patties packed in treated films ranged from 0.10 to 0.99 (mg MDA/kg), lower than that of the control 0.34-1.33 (mg MDA/kg). The BLE4 (packed in FSG film with 10% BLE) had the lowest metmyoglobin content of 31.71% compared to the control sample (69.02%) on 30th day of refrigerated storage. Further, a significant reduction in moisture and color change was observed in meat patties packed in FSG-BLE composite films compared to the control patties. Hence, this study concluded that the FSG-BLE composite films improves the storage stability by impeding the rate of lipid oxidation indicating the developed film's promising potential as a sustainable material in active packaging for the shelf life extension of high-fat meat products and other perishable food products.