pH-responsive imine-chitosan-based intelligent controlled-release packaging films with transformable antimicrobial...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Antimicrobial active packaging is crucial for extending food shelf life.
• Intelligent and responsive antimicrobial strategies are needed for advanced food preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a pH-responsive, intelligent antimicrobial film for food packaging.
• To investigate the antimicrobial mechanisms and efficacy of the developed film.

Main Methods:

• Surface Schiff-base coupling was used to decorate chitosan film with 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (HMB).
• The film's pH-responsive release, antimicrobial adhesion, and release-antimicrobial activities were evaluated.
• Efficacy was tested against foodborne fungi and bacteria, and in cherry tomato and tomato juice preservation.

Main Results:

• The developed HMB-decorated chitosan film (HDCF) exhibited excellent storage stability and pH-responsive HMB release.
• HDCF demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal and antibacterial adhesion before HMB release.
• Upon acid-induced HMB release, HDCF showed enhanced release-antimicrobial activity and effective food preservation with UV barrier properties.

Conclusions:

• HDCF offers a novel, intelligent, and responsive antimicrobial strategy for next-generation food packaging.
• The film's dual antimicrobial mode (adhesion and release) enhances its effectiveness in food preservation.
• This work presents a new pathway for designing versatile antimicrobial packaging solutions.