An Active Packaging Nanofiber Film with Excellent Mechanical Properties Prepared by Centrifugal Spinning for Postharvest Preservation of Blueberry

Abstract

Blueberries are highly susceptible to quality deterioration after harvest due to respiration and oxidative reactions, resulting in significant economic losses. To prolong shelf life, various preservation strategies have been explored, with biodegradable active packaging has emerged as an effective and environmentally friendly solution. In this study, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and ethyl cellulose (EC) were used as substrates, and tea polyphenols (TP) were loaded by centrifugal spinning technology. A bioactive nanofiber film was developed and characterized (such as barrier property assessments, degradability tests, and mechanical evaluations). Additionally, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the PEO/EC-TP nanofiber films were investigated. Finally, the nanofiber films were wrapped around blueberry to assess their preservation performance. The results demonstrated that the PEO/EC-TP nanofiber films exhibited good antibacterial and antioxidant properties, effectively extending the expiration date of blueberries compared to the control group.

Keywords: Centrifugal spinning, Nanofiber films, Active Packaging, Blueberry preservation, sustained release