Film matrix modification synergize with active ingredient introduction strategy to synthesize polysaccharide-based active packaging with enhanced barrier performance and functional activity for efficient perishable fruit preservation

Natural biopolymer food packaging materials face limitations in practical applications due to insufficient packaging performance and functional activity. To address these drawbacks, this study developed a strategy combining film matrix modification with synergistic active ingredient introduction to effectively enhance physicochemical properties and functional activity of polysaccharide-based films. Specifically, silver-based meta-organic frameworks (SA/Ag-2MI) were synthesized within sodium alginate, enabling it to serve as both a film-forming matrix and a functional component. Subsequently, curcumin-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CUR@CD) were incorporated as active additives into the film-forming matrix composed of SA/Ag-2MI, guar gum and carboxylated cellulose nanofibers, further enhancing the film's physicochemical properties and functional activity. Compared to the pristine film, GSC/Ag-2MI/CUR@CD film exhibited superior water vapor barrier property (water vapor permeability decreased by 22.98 %), light barrier property (transmittance at 600 nm decreased by 30.24 %), antioxidant activity (scavenging rate for two free radicals increased to over 50 %) and antibacterial active (inhibition zone appearance of three bacteria). Furthermore, the GSC/Ag-2MI/CUR@CD film effectively maintained strawberry storage quality by significantly inhibiting appearance changes, weight loss, firmness reduction and rot occurrence. In summary, this work offers a promising and feasible pathway for enhancing the performance of natural biopolymer packaging, with considerable potential in active packaging and fruit preservation fields.