Fabrication of antimicrobial packaging based on polyaminopropyl biguanide incorporated pectin/polyvinyl alcohol films for fruit preservation

Pectin (PEC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), plasticizers , and polyaminopropyl biguanide (Pb) (0.125%–1%) were used to prepare the film solution. The results demonstrated significantly enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break of PEC/PVA/Pb 0.25% film than PEC/PVA film. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to investigate the continuous and dense structure of the PEC/PVA/ Pb0.25% film. FTIR, XPS , and XRD revealed that Pb addition to the PEC/PVA film matrix changed its physicochemical properties by forming new hydrogen and C N bonds. Moreover, the composite films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against food-borne microorganisms ( E. coli and S. aureus ), and post-harvest pathogens ( P. italicum and F. proliferatum ) in vitro . The composite film effectively inhibited P. italicum growth during citrus experiments, while maintaining nutritional components (vitamin C, total flavonoid , and total polyphenol content). Overall, the antimicrobial composite film presented promising applicability in food packaging.