Perillaldehyde-loaded dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose-chitosan film as an active packaging for enhancing cheese preservation

This study developed a chitosan (CS)/dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) composite film loaded with perillaldehyde (PAE) and evaluated its functional properties and application in cheese preservation. FTIR analysis suggested successful oxidation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and possible intermolecular interactions between DCMC and CS. PAE incorporation altered film behaviour in a concentration-dependent manner, with the 3 mg/mL film showing the best balance of transparency, flexibility, and structural uniformity. PAE exhibited strong inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus at all tested levels and Listeria monocytogenes at ≥2 mg/mL. When applied to cheese, the P/DC-CS film reduced texture deterioration, limited colour changes, and significantly slowed lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage. These findings indicate that combining DCMC crosslinking with PAE incorporation offers a feasible approach to produce natural active films suitable for short-term dairy preservation.