Tailoring ethyl cellulose fibrous films with a TiO2/CDs nanohybrid for atmospheric preservation of climacteric fruits.

Active packaging films endowed with multifunctional properties have emerged as effective systems for slowing ripening and maintaining the freshness of climacteric fruits. The present work demonstrates the fabrication of TiO2/CDs-loaded ethyl cellulose/poly(ethylene oxide) (E/P) fibrous films through a facile electrospinning process for the active packaging of bananas. The TiO2/CDs nanohybrid was synthesized using a simple hydrothermal approach. The nanohybrid exhibited Ti3+ active sites and oxygen vacancies, as confirmed by XPS and EPR analyses, and displayed enhanced visible-light absorption in the UV-Vis spectrum. The E/P fibrous films loaded with TiO2/CDs had a substantial effect on the water contact angle (WCA) (∼156°) and the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) (∼48% reduction), with a slight decrease (∼8.6%) in water vapor permeability (WVP). Furthermore, the films exhibited excellent UV-blocking properties (100%), with radical-scavenging activities of ∼48% and ∼85% against DPPH and ABTS free radicals, respectively, under dark conditions. The bananas packed in the fibrous films exhibited reduced discoloration and weight loss, thus maintaining their freshness for 8 days. In summary, the TiO2/CDs-loaded ethyl cellulose-based fibrous films provide a sustainable design for multifunctional packaging for climacteric fruits, integrating enhanced barrier, UV-blocking, antioxidant, and potential ethylene-scavenging properties.