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

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Dec;282(Pt 6):137399. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137399. Epub 2024 Nov 7.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Banana preservation; Electrospinning; Ethylene adsorption; Oxidized starch.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Ethylenes* / chemistry
  • Food Packaging / methods
  • Food Preservation / methods
  • Glucans* / chemistry
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Musa* / chemistry
  • Nanofibers* / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction*
  • Starch* / chemistry

Substances

  • Starch
  • pullulan
  • Ethylenes
  • ethylene
  • Glucans
  • Metals