Construction of efficient ethylene removal and antibacterial cellulose paper-based packaging materials for avocado...

Fruits are susceptible to ethylene ripening and microbial infestation, which can lead to spoilage and further significant economic losses. Thus, using functional preservation materials is an effective controlling technology to improve the post-harvest quality and extend the shelf life of fruits. Hence, a dual-function cellulose-based paper with exceptional antibacterial efficiency, favourable ethylene removal performance, improved mechanical and hydrophobic properties was prepared by covalently grafted antibacterial guanidine salt and surface-modified ethylene scavenger. When the amount of guanidine salt grafted and ethylene scavenger is 1.85 wt% and 1.5 g·m^-2, respectively, the prepared cellulose paper exhibited about 99 % ethylene conversion and killing efficiency with no leaching, which extending the post-harvest avocado preservation time to 20 days at room temperature. Packaging with the preservation paper effectively reduced hardness and consumption of soluble solids in avocado during storage, maintaining their appearance and nutritional quality. These findings highlight the excellent preservation capabilities of the dual-function paper, making it a promising material for fruit and vegetable preservation in small and medium planting areas and households.