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An active protein‐based film was developed by incorporating cinnamon essential oil (CEO) into whey protein concentrate (WPC) at a level of 0.8 and 1.5% v/v. The effects of CEO on microstructure, physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the films were evaluated. Adding CEO to the WPC matrix decreased the water vapor permeability of the films and water solubility by 38.03 and 29.4%, respectively. The films containing CEO also displayed lower affinity to water; the contact angle increased up to 89.61% in 1.5% CEO concentration. Films containing CEO showed notable antibacterial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative strains, and exhibited good inhibitory effect on the studied fungi. However, CEO containing films showed a heterogeneous cracked structure which decreased their tensile strength. This combination of the results confirmed good potential to the film for application in food packaging. Practical Application As a result of the increased concerns about environmental problems caused by synthetic packaging material, the food industry has paid growing attention to biopolymer and edible films during the last two decades. They can control the transfer of moisture, gases, lipids and flavor components in the packaging environment. In addition, these films can function as carriers of many ingredients, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. The present study prepares some information about production of an active protein‐based film containing CEO. The film is environmental friendly and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties make it useful for application in food preservation and packaging industry.

Summary Rosemary essential oil (REO) was used to develop an active film from chitosan. The effects of REO concentration (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% v/v) on film properties were studied by measuring the physical, mechanical and optical properties of the REO‐loaded films. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to study microstructure and the interaction of the chitosan‐based films. The solubility and water gain of the chitosan film decreased about 25% and 85%, respectively, by REO incorporation, up to 1.5% v/v, because of the interaction between hydrophilic groups of chitosan and REO as confirmed by FTIR. It was determined that REO improved the transparency of the films from 4.97 in neat chitosan up to 7.61; moreover, it reduced the films’ light transmission in UV light more than 25%. Films containing REO showed more antibacterial activity and total phenol content. The films containing REO showed potential to be used as active film in food preservation.