Properties of MgO₂NPs/CMCS composite paper and its application in ambient temperature preservation of cantaloupe

In this study, nano‑magnesium peroxide/carboxymethyl chitosan (MgO₂NPs/CMCS) composite paper was fabricated by coating Xuan paper for energy-saving ambient-temperature preservation of cantaloupe. At a coating weight of 25 g/m², the composite exhibited optimal mechanical strength, barrier properties, and antimicrobial activity; SEM, XRD, and inhibition assays confirmed uniform coating distribution and durable bacteriostasis. Preservation experiments showed it outperformed uncoated paper and single-layer CMCS-coated paper: it mitigated weight loss by 42%, retarded firmness deterioration, suppressed respiratory metabolism, retained pulp color, maintained higher total soluble solids (TSS) and lower titratable acidity (TA), and reduced rot index by 49%. The paper inhibited lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, restrained malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H²O²) accumulation, and preserved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, delaying senescence. It enabled 14-day ambient-temperature storage without excessive Mg²⁺ migration into edible tissues. The ROS-releasing MgO₂NPs/CMCS paper shows potential for cold-chain-free cantaloupe storage. Low-cost, scalable, biodegradable, it innovates preservation, enriching low-carbon packaging for carbon-neutral logistics.