# Characterization of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Blends with NaNO2 to Develop Active Packaging for Use with Meat

## TL;DR

This study explores the use of PVA/CMC films with sodium nitrite as active packaging for meat, finding they have good mechanical properties but need improvement in moisture and antioxidant performance.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in characterizing PVA/CMC blends with nitrite for active meat packaging and evaluating their functional performance.

## Key findings

- PVA/CMC films with nitrite showed good transparency, solubility, and mechanical strength.
- Nitrite migrated into pork but did not consistently inhibit lipid oxidation.
- Optimizations are needed to enhance moisture barrier and antioxidant efficacy.

## Abstract

Active packaging is an innovative solution to preserve
sensory
characteristics and prolong the shelf life of meat products. In this
study, films based on mixtures of poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and carboxymethylcellulose
(CMC) were prepared and incorporated with sodium nitrite at concentrations
of 0, 50, 100, and 500 ppm. The films were characterized in terms
of their physical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties, and
evaluated for their active performance in pork. The incorporation
of nitrite did not affect the physical characteristics of the films,
which had an average thickness of 0.12 mm, good transparency, and
total solubility in water. Water vapor permeability (WVP) ranged from
3.20 × 10–5 to 4.05 × 10–5
P(g/m·d·Pa). The films demonstrated good
strength and flexibility, with an average elongation of 179% and a
modulus of elasticity between 38 and 44 MPa. FTIR analysis did not
reveal any bands attributable to nitrite. In storage tests with pork,
nitrite migration to the product was observed; however, there was
no consistent inhibition of lipid oxidation, with TBARS values ranging
from 0.57 to 2.54 mg MDA/kg. Taken together, the results indicate
that PVA/CMC blends have potential as active films for meat applications,
offering good mechanical properties and nitrite release capacity.
However, optimizations are needed to improve the moisture barrier
and antioxidant efficacy in the product.