Eco-friendly and flexible polysaccharide-based packaging films for fruit preservation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Food Science
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Food safety and spoilage are major global challenges, necessitating advanced packaging solutions.
• Effective fruit packaging is crucial for extending shelf life and minimizing food waste.
• Polysaccharide-based films offer a sustainable alternative to conventional packaging materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an eco-friendly and flexible polysaccharide-based packaging film.
• To enhance the properties of the film using cellulose nanocrystals, deep eutectic solvents, and anthocyanins.
• To evaluate the film's performance in extending the shelf life of fruits.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a novel polysaccharide film incorporating hydroxypropyl guar (HPG), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), deep eutectic solvents (DES), and anthocyanin (Anth).
• Characterization of the film's physical, mechanical, barrier, and antibacterial properties.
• Preservation tests on grapes and blueberries using the developed film.

Main Results:

• The optimized film (HCA-DES0.2) exhibited excellent tensile properties, oxygen barrier (3.01 cm³/m²/day/Pa), water resistance (WCA 111.97°), and antibacterial activity (CFU < 10³).
• The film demonstrated good transparency (55.4%) and stability due to DES incorporation.
• Preservation tests showed an extended shelf life of 12-20 days for grapes and blueberries.

Conclusions:

• The developed polysaccharide film shows significant potential for practical application in fruit preservation.
• This eco-friendly packaging solution can contribute to reducing food waste and enhancing food safety.
• The combination of HPG, CNCs, DES, and Anth creates a multifunctional and effective packaging material.