Bioactive ZIF-8@PEO/PLA/PCL electrospun nanofibrous membrane for enhancing the preservation stability of blueberry

For enhancing the storability and quality of postharvest fresh products, an electrospun nanofiber membrane composed of polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), perilla essential oil (PEO) and zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) (ZIF-8@PEO/PLA/PCL) was developed for active food packaging. The ZIF-8@PEO/PLA/PCL electrospun fibers integration were continuous nanofibers with ZIF-8 nanoparticles affixed to their surface and 759.1 nm average diameter. The ZIF-8@PEO/PLA/PCL nanofiber membranes had improved tensile strength of 14.35 MPa and anti-deformation capability of 9.33 MPa and reduced thermal stability compared with PEO/PLA/PCL. The adhesion of ZIF-8 nanoparticles maintained the nanofiber surface hydrophobicity and improved the water vapor barrier quality of 0.21 g mm/m 2 h. The ZIF-8@PEO/PLA/PCL nanofiber membrane showed excellent antibacterial ability within 24 h test and biosafety confirmed by the zebrafish co-culture experiments. The storage test revealed that the ZIF-8@PEO/PLA/PCL membrane delayed the postharvest quality degradation of blueberry fruits to extend their shelf-life to 28 days by maintaining firmness, color, and nutritional quality. These results indicated that the nanofiber membrane has significant potential for fruit preservation as functional packaging material.