Reinforcement of chitosan/ polyvinyl alcohol film by quercetin self-assembled nanocrystals for fresh meat preservation
2025
Fan, Simin | Wang, Wenxin | Yang, Qingfeng | Zhu, Chaoqiao | Tian, Ming | Richel, Aurore | Fauconnier, Marie-Laure | Hou, Chengli | Zhang, Dequan
English. peer reviewed
Show more [+] Less [-]English. The development of sustainable and functional food packaging is essential for mitigating food waste. In this study, quercetin nanocrystals (QNs) are synthesized and utilized to improve functionality of chitosan/ polyvinyl alcohol (PC) films. Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental characterizations reveal that the self- assembly of QNs is primarily driven by supramolecular interactions. QNs exhibit good compatibility with PC f ilms, acting both as a nanofiller to improve mechanical properties (tensile strength of 49.68 MPa and elongation at break of 176.02 %) and as an active agent to impart antioxidant properties (fourfold increase compared to plain PC film). Additionally, QNs enhance the thermal stability, UV-blocking capability, and water vapor barrier properties of the PC films. More importantly, the QNs-reinforced PC films significantly extend the shelf life of fresh meat to 11 days. This work provides an effective strategy for fabricating eco-friendly and functional food packaging materials, demonstrating great potential for application in food preservation.
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