Abstract: A novel ε-polylysine (PL)-modified chitosan membrane (TO-CH-PL) was synthesized by a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMPO) oxidation system. Chitosan film (CH) and polyethylene film (PE) were used as control groups. The water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability and mechanical properties were employed to determine the physical properties of membranes. Meanwhile, the physicochemical properties of TO-CH-PL film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the preservation effect of TO-CH-PL film on chicken was investigated during storage at 10 ℃ for 6 d. The results showed that PL was successfully grafted onto chitosan molecules through TEMPO oxidation system, the obtained TO-CH-PL membrane exhibited higher physical properties than other selected films. Considering the preservation effect of TO-CH-PL film, the results indicated that the increasing rate of TPC, TVB-N and TBARS, as well as the changes of pH and color of chicken could be significantly delayed by applying the TO-CH-PL membrane. It can be concluded the well preservation effect of TO-CH-PL film on chicken samples. Therefore, PL-modified chitosan films can be used as an alternative method to extend the shelf life of chicken during refrigeration.