Sustainable active packaging developed using starch-based foam incorporating 1-Methylcyclopropene@α-Cyclodextrin.
Jiang T., Song Y., Chang L., Huang Q., He W., Liu H.
The preservation of fruit freshness during long-distance transportation frequently faces significant challenges, especially a high risk of spoilage. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an effective ethylene inhibitor, is widely used to slow down fruit ripening and maintain freshness. However, achieving a controllable release of 1-MCP is challenging, and traditional carrier materials such as paper, chitosan films, and microcapsules have proven unsatisfactory. Here, we introduced an innovative sustainable packaging featuring a "sandwich" structure based on starch-based foam sheets. The hydrophilic properties and porous structure of the foam ensure the controllable and slow release of 1-MCP. Additionally, its mechanical durability provides a cushioning role to minimize physical damage to fruits during transport process. This method achieves a significant reduction in ethylene production and respiration rates by up to 60.49 % and 57.50 % respectively, leading to an extension of the shelf life of climacteric fruits by 5-10 days. The novel active packaging not only effectively prolongs the shelf life and improves the quality of fruit but is also economical and environmentally friendly due to its biodegradable starch-based composition.