Sustained release of Eugenol from MCM-41 mesoporous silica for preservation of Agaricus bisporus

The postharvest quality of Agaricus bisporus declines rapidly during refrigerated storage. A controlled-release system (Eugenol@MCM-41) was prepared by loading eugenol into MCM-41, with a loading capacity of 51%. Physicochemical characterization and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were combined to clarify the sustained-release mechanism. MD simulations provided supportive evidence for favorable eugenol–silica interfacial interactions and restricted surface-associated mobility in the mesoporous model. In vitro release exhibited clear medium dependence and followed the Weibull model, consistent with diffusion-dominated release under confinement. In storage trials at 4 ± 1 °C, Eugenol@MCM-41 extended acceptable mushroom quality to 15 days. The treatment reduced weight loss, maintained firmness, delayed browning, and lowered malondialdehyde accumulation versus the control and pristine MCM-41. These results connect nanoscale confinement with preservation performance and support Eugenol@MCM-41 as an effective eugenol delivery system for preserving highly perishable foods.