MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Natamycin-Loaded Ethyl Cellulose/PVP Films Developed by Microfluidic Spinning for Active Packaging

Summary

Researchers developed special thin films that can help preserve fruits and vegetables by preventing mold growth. These films are made by combining two biodegradable polymers with an antimicrobial substance called natamycin using a new spinning technique. The films successfully inhibited gray mold, which causes major spoilage in strawberries, tomatoes, and other crops. This technology offers a promising way to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.

Background

Postharvest fruit and vegetable deterioration caused by fungal infections, particularly gray mold, results in significant economic losses. Natamycin is an effective antimicrobial agent but has limitations including low water solubility and photosensitivity. Active packaging loaded with antimicrobial agents has emerged as a promising approach for food preservation.

Objective

To prepare natamycin-loaded ethyl cellulose/polyvinylpyrrolidone fibrous films using microfluidic spinning technology and evaluate their antimicrobial properties against gray mold for active packaging applications.

Results

Encapsulation efficiency exceeded 90% across all groups, with loading capacity increasing with natamycin content. The fibrous films maintained ordered structure without significant changes in fiber diameter. Water contact angle increased with natamycin content, indicating enhanced hydrophobicity. N-EC/PVP films showed excellent antimicrobial activity with inhibitory zones of 38.4-46.0 mm against Botrytis cinerea.

Conclusion

Natamycin-loaded EC/PVP fibrous films prepared by microfluidic spinning demonstrate high encapsulation efficiency and excellent antimicrobial activity against gray mold. These biocompatible, biodegradable films show strong potential for active packaging applications in postharvest fruit and vegetable preservation.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/foods13010132
Scroll to Top