Multilayer packaging with CO₂/O₂-selective gas regulation and humidity-responsive release of cinnamon essential oil for cherry tomato preservation.

Authors

Lin Peng, Jinyu Wang, Lijing Lin, Azadeh Nilghaz, Xueyan Yun, Xiaofang Wan, Shaokai Zhang, Junfei Tian

Published in

Food chemistry. Volume 525. Issue Pt 1. Pages 150349. Jul 08, 2026. Epub Jul 08, 2026.

Abstract

Fresh produce preservation remains a major challenge due to nutrient loss and microbial spoilage. Here, we reported a biobased paper window that combined gas regulation with humidity-responsive antimicrobial release of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) to address these challenges. The bifunctional paper window exhibited appropriate gas permeability and CO₂/O₂ selectivity (2.1-6.0). Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the mechanism of selectivity, showing a 16.9-fold stronger CO₂ adsorption than O₂ at 100 kPa. Furthermore, humidity generated from produce respiration and transpiration triggered sustained CEO release for >21 days. Validated on cherry tomatoes, the bifunctional paper window extended shelf life from 12 to 20 days at 23 ± 3 °C while maintaining total soluble solids at 8.2%, titratable acidity at 0.56%, and firmness at 7.33 N, and remained free from mold growth throughout storage. This bifunctional paper window offers an efficient and sustainable strategy for reducing fresh produce losses.

PMID:
42437554
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 13 Jul 2026.

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