Keratin hydrogel loaded with Cu nanoparticles–carbon quantum dots nanocomposites: a sustainable solution for active meat packaging

Abstract

Conventional plastic packaging for fresh meat generates significant environmental waste and offers limited antimicrobial protection. This study reported the development of a biodegradable and antimicrobial keratin-based hydrogel for food packaging applications. The hydrogel was synthesized from cow horn, an agroindustrial byproduct, and functionalized with a nanocomposite consisting of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQD). The materials were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, swelling, SEM and TEM. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, revealing enhanced bacterial reduction when the nanocomposite was used, outperforming Cu-NP alone. Furthermore, embedding the nanocomposite into the keratin matrix produced a stable and effective material capable of reducing microbial growth and potentially extending the shelf life of meat products. Thebiodegradation rates of both treated and untreated hydrogels were comparable, with mass losses exceeding 50 % after 45 days. This work offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging by combining food safety improvement with environmental responsibility.