Porphyrinic Metal–Organic Framework-Loaded Polycaprolactone Composite Films with a High Photodynamic Antibacterial Activity for the Preservation of Fresh-Cut Apples

Abstract

Food-borne diseases caused by fresh fruits and vegetables seriously threaten human health. The polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer with good biodegradability has drawn growing interest in packaging and protecting of fresh fruits and vegetables. The disadvantage of pure PCL as a packaging material is the lack of the antibacterial function. Photodynamic sterilization as a safe and effective antibacterial method is now the emerging means for food safety. Therefore, the porphyrinic metal–organic framework MOF-545 as a highly effective photosensitizer was incorporated with PCL to prepare a biodegradable antibacterial composite film. The incorporation of MOF-545 nanorods significantly enhanced the hydrophilicity and mechanical strength of the film while slightly decreasing the transparency. The PCL/MOF-545 (10%) film exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity under a white LED light. This film was used for packaging fresh-cut apples and effectively killed 96% of the microorganisms, also delaying the apples’ discoloration and water loss. The PCL/MOF-545 film showed great potential for the antibacterial packaging of fruits and vegetables.

Development of New Photoinactivation Strategies for Microbial Decontamination in Fruits and Packaging

“…In addition, the photodynamic effects of curcumin-based treatments have been proposed for the preservation and storage of apples and pears. , The combination of photoinactivation of bacteria with an edible coating formed by pectin/quercetin demonstrated effectiveness in prolonging the shelf life and maintaining the commercial quality of freshly cut apples . In this sense, films composed of polycaprolactone loaded with a metal–organic framework containing a synthetic porphyrin derivative showed an efficient photodynamic effect for the protection of apple pieces . The current results indicate that CS–PPIX represents an interesting photodynamic structure to be used in food products.…”

“…66 In this sense, films composed of polycaprolactone loaded with a metal−organic framework containing a synthetic porphyrin derivative showed an efficient photodynamic effect for the protection of apple pieces. 18 The current results indicate that CS−PPIX represents an interesting photodynamic structure to be used in food products. In this sense, CS is one of the most abundant nontoxic and biodegradable polymers with applications in food preservation.…”

“…The application of PDI has been suggested as a substitute for microbiological control in many food products and processes associated with production, processing, storage, and distribution. , It can be applied to eliminate foodborne pathogens and microorganisms that spoil food, prolonging shelf life and improving microbiological quality. Also, photosensitization has been projected to sanitize food processing surfaces, decontaminate packaging, and treat waste. − In addition, photosensitization provided a novel approach for decontaminating FV. − Several types of PS, such as phenothiazine dyes, phthalocyanines, and porphyrin derivatives, showed effective antimicrobial activity. , Currently, people mainly prefer to consume foods that contain additives and preservatives of natural origin. Therefore, natural products obtained from various animal and plant sources were evaluated as effective photosensitizing agents with diverse applications. ,,, …”

MOF-Based Active Packaging Materials for Extending Post-Harvest Shelf-Life of Fruits and Vegetables

“…In active packaging, an active agent that functions as, for example, a release system, absorption system, or removal system is incorporated in the packaging material to improve the safety and shelf-life of food [30]. Recent studies have highlighted MOFs as potentially active agents in fruit and vegetable preservation because of their excellent gas scavenging [31], antibacterial activity [32], and moisture absorption [33].…”

Enhanced Visible-Light-Responsive Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin by the CuxO/Metal-Organic Framework Hybrid Nanocomposite

“…Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanomaterials, such as MOF-PNIPAM membranes [ 8 ], ZIF-8 MOF [ 9 ], PCL/MOF-545 [ 10 ], HKUST-1 [ 11 ], and ZIF-8 [ 12 ], are widely used for drug delivery, diagnosis [ 13 , 14 ], as adsorbents [ 15 ], and for photocatalysis, for the removal of sulfonamide, CIP, and tetracycline antibiotics, respectively, from an aqueous solution through the adsorption technique. In addition, MOFs have attracted significant attention in photocatalysis technology, due to their semiconductor-like behavior, which transfers photogenerated charges to the reactive sites of a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) for the in-situ decomposition of organic compounds, to form CO 2 and water [ 16 ].…”