Opopanax gum and essential oil-based antimicrobial film reinforced with bismuth oxide nanoparticles: Production, characterization, and application in the storage of quail fillets.

The aim of this study was to the production of an active film based on Prangos ferulacea root gum, using its leaf's essential oil (PFEO) (0-3 %) and bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3NPs) (0-3 %). Then, the developed film was used for packaging of quail fillet. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of PFEO and Bi2O3NPs on films' properties. Optimum formulation, including 1.5 % PFEO and 1 % Bi2O3NPs, was achieved based on numerical optimization. The optimum film was produced and compared with the control film (based on Prangos ferulacea root gum, without PFEO and Bi2O3NPs). According to the results, adding PFEO and Bi2O3NPs to the film formulation increased the thickness and antioxidant activity of the film and decreased moisture content, solubility, water vapor permeability, and whiteness index (p < 0.05). The optimum film indicated high antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The pH, TVBN, TBA values, coliform, and total bacterial counts of quail fillet packed with the optimum film were lower and sensorial scores were higher than the control samples during the storage(p < 0.05).