Development of cushioning-antibacterial dual-functional cellulose packaging and its application for the Chinese bayberry during simulated transportation vibration

In this study, dual-functional cellulose-based cushioning packaging materials containing cinnamaldehyde essential oil (CEO) were developed to reduce vibrations and provide antibacterial activity during fruit transportation. Cellulose was extracted from Zizania latifolia byproduct, and the cellulose cushioning materials containing CEO (CEO@CCM) were prepared using the mechanical foaming and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend reinforcement method. Compared with traditional corrugated cardboard, CEO@CCM exhibited optimal static compression performance. The incorporation of PVA improved its mechanical properties, resulting in a porosity of 95.42 %, cushioning coefficient of 5.14, and rebound rate of 85.31 %. Cinnamaldehyde was incorporated into the cushioning material to impart antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting the growth of Penicillium citrinum and Escherichia coli in vitro. Additionally, the application of CEO@CCM in reducing vibrations during simulated transportation of bayberry was investigated. The packaging technique could maintain fruit quality by minimizing mechanical damage and inhibiting microbial growth. The dual-functional cushioning packaging demonstrates significant application potential for enhancing food self-life.