Chitosan-based packaging films with antibacterial-sterilization integrated continuous activity for extending the shelf life of perishable foods

Abstract

The current food packaging films can be preservative but lack the function of combining antibacterial and sterilization which lead to films can not maximize prolong shelf life of perishable foods. This study provided a new strategy to realize prolonging shelf life of perishable foods by integrating antibacterial and sterilization which focused on applying photodynamic inactivation to films with continuous activity, where curcumin (CUR) and sodium copper chlorophyll (SCC) were loaded into chitosan (CS) films. Compared to pure CS films, the barrier capacity (oxygen permeability and water vapor permeability) and mechanical properties of composite films were improved by introducing CUR and SCC. In addition, the composite film can effectively against food-borne pathogenic bacteria and significantly prolong the shelf life of cherries and pork. The provided strategy has potential application prospects in food preservation packaging.

Keywords: Chitosan antibacterial films; Double photosensitizers; Photodynamic inactivation.