Incorporating Gallic Acid-Modified MXene Nanoparticles and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents into Konjac Glucomannan for...

The shelf life of delicate fruits, such as raspberries, is a significant challenge in food packaging. Although natural polysaccharide-based films are safe and biodegradable, their poor mechanical strength, high water sensitivity, and weak barrier properties often limit their use. This study incorporated konjac glucomannan (KGM) and gallic acid-modified MXene (MXene@GA) and carefully designed natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) to develop a novel biobased nanocomposite film. The NADES systems were composed of glycine-citrate-caffeic acid, l-carnitine-citrate-caffeic acid, and amidosulfonic acid-citrate-caffeic acid. Moreover, they act as green plasticizers and help tailor the internal structures and surface properties of the films. The resulting films exhibited enhanced strength, ultraviolet protection, water resistance, and antioxidant activity. The incorporation of MXene@GA and NADES promoted better dispersion and interaction with the polymer matrix, further enhancing the mechanical and barrier properties. The final nanocomposite films were applied for raspberry preservation, which effectively extended the shelf life of the fruits at room temperature and under 4 °C storage conditions while maintaining fruit quality. This study provides a practical and innovative solution for developing safe and multifunctional food packaging materials for perishable products.