Synergistic 3D nanofibers for enhanced microbial control and moisture regulation in fruit preservation

Food spoilage and waste present significant global challenges, highlighting the need for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. This study introduces a biodegradable Janus nanofiber, designed with dual-sided water impermeability, carefully engineered wettability gradients, and multiscale structural features. The design integrates moisture management with microbial control, creating an optimal microenvironment for the preservation of tropical fruits. The nanofiber retains moisture on its hydrophilic side while preventing external moisture ingress through the hydrophobic side, effectively reducing weight loss and extending shelf life. In 15-day shelf-life tests at room temperature and 4 °C, the nanofiber outperformed commercial packaging options, reducing fruit weight loss by >20%, while maintaining texture, firmness, and vitamin C content, and significantly delaying microbial spoilage. These improved results are supported by multiscale dissipative particle dynamics simulations, which demonstrate the material's ability to control moisture transport and suppress microbial growth. This work offers a scalable and high-performance solution for biodegradable antimicrobial packaging, enhancing sustainable food preservation practices. The novel 3D PHB-AT NPs show strong potential for tropical fruit preservation and can be extended to other sustainable food storage applications, addressing major challenges in the global food supply chain.