Alkaline-heat treatment Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose biodegradable composite film for fresh-cut cantaloupe preservation.

As concerns about the safety and sustainability of plastic wrap grow, the development of biodegradable film for use in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables has become an inevitable trend. A biodegradable packaging material made of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVP) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was created using the solution casting method. We have enhanced the film-forming properties of polysaccharides by adjusting the pH. Through process optimization, the optimal parameters (pH 10, 6 % FVP, and 85 °C) yielded a composite film with superior properties: the highest tensile strength, minimal thickness (84.25 μm), maximum water contact angle (94.98°), lowest solubility (14.86 %), and lowest Carbon dioxide permeability (8.32 × 10-4 g·m-2·h-1). Moreover, the film exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit microbial growth. Soil burial tests demonstrate that the composite film possesses excellent degradability and environmental friendliness. The application of FVP-CMCpH10 packaging in the preservation of Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) at 4 °C was investigated. The FVP-CMCpH10 film shows great moisture regulation and gas regulation in applications. The results demonstrate that the composite film effectively retards weight loss, softening, nutrient loss, and total viable count of cantaloupe, thereby significantly extending its shelf life.