Characterization and preservation performance of CMC/PVA active films with Annona muricata leaf extract for frozen Litopenaeus vannamei.

Maintaining the freshness of shrimp, a widely consumed global commodity throughout the supply chain presents a notable challenge. Active packaging incorporating plant-derived extracts, such as soursop (Annona muricata), offers a promising strategy to mitigate quality deterioration. Accordingly, this study developed and characterised carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based films incorporated with A. muricata leaf extract at varying concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The preservative performance of the films during frozen storage was subsequently evaluated in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful incorporation of bioactive compounds and their interaction with the polymer matrix. Increasing extract concentrations enhanced elongation at break (180 to 225%), water vapor transmission rate (27.8 to 56.6 g/m2/d), opacity (2.65 to 4.84 mm-1), and antibacterial activity (inhibition zones up to 70 mm for Sphingomonas paucimobilis). Conversely, higher extract loadings slightly reduced tensile strength (0.078 to 0.037 MPa), toughness (0.0450 to 0.0180 MJ/m3), and initial sensory acceptability (9.0 to 6.8). During storage evaluations, total bacterial count (TBC) in extract-loaded films decreased to 6.63-6.77 log CFU g-1 by day 10, while sensory scores remained within the acceptable range (≥ 7) throughout the 15-day period. Overall, A. muricata-loaded CMC/PVA films demonstrate strong potential as active packaging for shrimp preservation. Future research should explore strategies, such as nanoencapsulation, to optimize mechanical and sensory properties without compromising antimicrobial and barrier functionality.