Visible light-responsive vitamin B2 functionalized ZnO with dual-mechanism bactericidal effects for perishable agrofood preservation

Recent advances in functionalized micro-nanostructures have enlightened promising non-thermal-dependent antibacterial strategies with broad applications in preventing agrofood spoilage, clinical infections, and environmental pollution caused by pathogens. These advances highlight the need for precise design of efficient and multi-mode bactericides. Herein, photosensitive vitamin B 2 (VB 2 ) was exploited to functionalize semiconductors with limited visible-light response and intrinsic antibacterial activity, while ZnO served as a paradigm for the fabrication of VB 2 -functionalized zinc oxide (VB 2 -ZnO) with persistent antibacterial effects. The enhanced visible photocatalytic activity and the released Zn 2+ in VB 2 -ZnO contribute to potent antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects by disrupting bacterial structures and inducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, the successful fabrication of composite films incorporating VB 2 -ZnO and natural locust bean gum (LBG) exhibited improved physicochemical properties and persistent antibacterial effects, resulting in the shelf-life extension of perishable berries. This work pioneers a novel approach to functionalizing semiconductor photocatalysts with VB 2 photosensitizer, offering novel solutions for ensuring agrofood safety through multi-mechanism antibacterial materials.