Development and characterization of corn starch-based films enhanced with Chlorella vulgaris nanocellulose-stabilized Pickering emulsion of Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil for cherry tomato preservation.

To reduce plastic usage in food packaging, this study developed an active composite film, named CNZC, by incorporating Chlorella vulgaris derived-cellulose nanocrystals-stabilized ZBEO Pickering emulsions into a corn starch (CS) matrix for cherry tomatoes preservation. Microalgae are a sustainable source of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) due to their rapid growth and low resource demands, offering potential for sustainable packaging. Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil (ZBEO) was chosen as an active component. The overall properties of 1.0-CNZC and 2.0-CNZC films were enhanced compared to CS films. CNC-stabilized Pickering emulsions facilitated the uniform dispersion of ZBEO, enhancing continuity of films. Besides, CNZC films were found to exhibit enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, attributed to the presence of monoterpenes, alcohols, and ketones in ZBEO, which terminate free radical chain reactions and increase cell permeability. To evaluate preservation performance, the 2.0-CNZC film was selected for cherry tomato preservation experiments, showing its ability to reduce weight loss, retaining acidity, and stabilizing total soluble solids levels. These results presented CNZC films as promising candidates for active composite packaging materials.