Effect of Nanocomposite Clay/low-density Polyethylene Film on the Quality of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fillets Stored with Four Different Packaging Conditions

Abstract

To improve the quality and increase the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets, nanocomposite clay/low-density polyethylene films were used during 25 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C). Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films with 5 wt% clay nanoparticles (sodium montmorillonite, MMT) were used for packaging of rainbow trout fillets using 4 different packaging conditions (modified atmosphere packaging (MAP): 60 N₂, 35 CO₂, and 5% O₂; vacuum packaging (VP); air packaging (AP); and control). Fish samples were analyzed on the first day and every 5 days to determine the extent of microbial deterioration, chemical changes, and sensory properties. Based on obtained results, the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets was determined as ~10 days for the control group, and 15, 20, and 25 days for the AP, VP, and MAP packages, respectively.