Abstract
In this study, lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pericarp powder was added to chitosan (CHS) matrix to develop active packaging films, and their structure, physicochemical, antibacterial, antioxidant, and functional properties were investigated. FT-IR results showed that intermolecular hydrogen bonds were formed between CHS and polyphenols in lychee pericarp powder (LPP), and the intermolecular interaction interfered with the assembly of CHS into semi-crystal structure, which reduced the crystallinity of CHS film. Incorporation of LPP significantly reduced water vapor permeability, water solubility, swelling degree, and elongation at break of CHS film (p < 0.05). However, UV-visible light barrier, tensile strength, and antibacterial and antioxidant properties of CHS films were increased by LPP incorporation. CHS-LPP film remarkably lowered the weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids of fresh-cut apple after five days storage. CHS-LPP film packaging effectively inhibited the browning of fresh-cut apple and the reduction of polyphenol content in apple juice caused by polyphenol oxidase (PPO)-mediated oxidation during storage. Therefore, CHS-LPP films have great potential as food packaging material to ensure the quality and extend the shelf life of food products.
Highlights
Active packaging refers to an innovative packaging system that surpasses the original functions of traditional packaging systems [1]
scanning electron microscope (SEM) observed that the incorporation of lychee pericarp powder (LPP) made the surface and cross-section of the CHS film rougher
Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between LPP and CHS
Summary
Active packaging refers to an innovative packaging system that surpasses the original functions of traditional packaging systems [1]. Active packaging enables the food products, the packaging materials, and the environment interact in a positive way to improve sensory properties and food safety while maintaining food quality to extend the shelf life of food [2]. This extended shelf life is achieved by adding active materials, such as antioxidant and antibacterial compounds, inside or on the surface of packaging materials [3,4]. Among all kinds of biopolymers, chitosan (CHS), a natural polysaccharide, is widely used to prepare food packaging film due to its excellent film-forming property and low cost [10]. CHS film can be combined with natural antibacterial agents and antioxidants, such as polyphenols, essential oils, and agricultural wastes, to obtain biological activity [11,12,13]
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