Electrostatic spinning construction of GA/HP-β-CD functionalized COS/PLA composite membrane for cherry tomato preservation applications

In this study, we optimized the structure and performance of Chito-oligosaccharides (COS)/Polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrous membranes by modulating the concentration of Gallic acid (GA)/Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). SEM, FTIR, and XRD confirmed the successful complexation of the active ingredient GA by HP-β-CD. As the concentration of the composite system increased, the fiber diameter grew from 953.3 nm to 1036.7 nm, simultaneously enhancing the mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability of the material. Structural optimization and multi-component synergy enhanced DPPH radical scavenging (70.72 %). Experiments showed that the membrane loaded with 0.45 g GA/HP-β-CD had the best comprehensive performance in a seven-day cherry tomato application test: the fruit weight loss rate was reduced to 14.74 %, and the hardness retention rate remained as high as 11.63 ± 0.50 N. The membranes exhibited good antimicrobial properties both in vitro and in vivo, which fully validated their great potential as active packaging materials for prolonging the freshness of food.