A uniaxial‐stretched poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(propylene carbonate;
PCL
/
PPC
) composite film was prepared using a twin‐screw extruder, and its utility as an equilibrium‐modified atmosphere packaging (
EMAP
) film extending the shelf life of garland chrysanthemums stored at 2~4°C was explored. The oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor penetration properties, mechanical properties, and gas permselectivity of
PCL
/
PPC
film used to package garland chrysanthemums were determined and compared to those of controlled low‐density polyethylene (
LDPE
) and
PCL
films. Physicochemical properties such as package headspace gas composition, weight loss, leaf color, total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid content, lipid peroxidation extent, and the sensory traits of garland chrysanthemums were investigated over a storage period of 14 days to compare the preservative effects of the various packages.
PPC
blending decreased the
PCL
gas and water vapor permeability and slightly increased the
CO
2
permselectivity. These effects on gas and water vapor permeability, combined with the effects on gas permselectivity, enhanced preservation of packed garland chrysanthemums. Furthermore, an O
2
inner atmosphere level of 2%~5%, and a
CO
2
concentration not greater than 8%, was established by the
PCL
/
PPC
film in the absence of condensation. The results thus suggest that biodegradable film can be used as an
EMAP
film to better maintain the quality of freshly harvested garland chrysanthemums and to afford a longer shelf life during cold storage compared to
LDPE
film. Sensory evaluation indicated that the garland chrysanthemums were market‐acceptable after 14 days of storage;
LDPE
‐packed chrysanthemums were acceptable only up to 8 days of storage. The film thus improved storage life compared to that afforded by
LDPE
.
Agaricus bernardii was a typical mushroom in Inner Mongolia, China, with high metabolic rate, respiration rate and dehydration. The storage time of A. bernardii was very short. It was necessary to prolong postharvest storage. This study was to determine the physicochemical and selected enzyme activities of A. bernardii packed with different barrier packaging materials. The materials concluded low‐density polyethylene (PE), poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(l‐lactic acid) (PBAT/PLLA), PBAT/PLLA/hydrophobic silica (0.5S SiO2) and polyamide/PE, respectively. The performance analysis of the materials, gas composition, sensory quality, physicochemical properties, nutritional quality, and index of senility of the mushrooms were measured. The results indicated that the low O2 (<1%) and moderate CO2 levels (4–7%) in 0.5S SiO2 film maintained a high level of soluble protein, soluble sugar, ascorbic acid, and phenolic contents, inhibited the increase of malondialdehyde, increased the antioxidant enzymes activities of peroxidase and decreased the enzymes activities of polyphenol oxidase. The quality index of the mushroom packed in the 0.5S SiO2 film remained a good condition and kept the market value after 15 days of storage.
Practical applications
The biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(l‐lactic acid) (PBAT/PLLA/SiO2) film has a suitable water vapor permeability and CO2/O2 permeability radio, which could establish a suitable steady‐state inner atmosphere and maintain quality of mushrooms. Compared with the other films, PBAT/PLLA/SiO2 film kept the market value after 15 days of storage and the application of 0.5S SiO2 film could have potential on maintaining the quality of postharvest of Agaricus bernardii. Moreover, expected to replace the nondegradable food packaging material.
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