Metal-anchored oxidized starch-pullulan nanofiber films enhance ethylene adsorption and banana preservation

The development of novel strategies to control ethylene accumulation of fruit is crucial for improving food preservation and reducing spoilage-related losses. In this study, an oxidized starch-pullulan (OS-PUL) nanofiber films were prepared with silver, copper, and iron to control ethylene accumulation. The starch nanofiber film exhibited an average diameter of 96 nm at an OS-PUL concentration of 25 % (wt/wt). Adsorption test showed the maximum ethylene adsorption capacity (21.86 mg·m^-2) of metal-nanofiber film with typical hierarchical microporous and mesoporous structure. Oxidized starch-pullulan-metal-nanofiber film extended the shelf life of bananas from 8 to 15 days by efficiently absorbing ethylene. This work will contribute to the development of innovative packaging materials with ethylene adsorption properties, which can help reduce food waste.