Preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/pullulan/ZnO-Nps composite film and its effect on the postharvest quality of Allium mongolicum Regel.

Allium mongolicum Regel is prone to rapid senescence and quality deterioration during postharvest storage. Herein, polyvinyl alcohol/pullulan/ZnO nanoparticles (PVA/PUL/ZnO-Nps) composite films were prepared via solution casting and studied to analyze the effects of ZnO-Nps on the PVA/PUL film matrix. Results revealed that the incorporation of suitable ZnO-Nps effectively reduced the light transmittance, improved water contact angle, water vapor permeability, and mechanical properties of the composite films, as well as enhanced their antimicrobial activity. The composite films were used for the postharvest preservation of A. mongolicum Regel. Results revealed that the PVA/PUL/ZnO-Nps film effectively reduced malondialdehyde accumulation content, superoxide radical generation rate, hydrogen peroxide content, improve the activity of related enzymes, and extend the storage time compared with that of polyethylene films. Therefore, the PVA/PUL/ZnO-Nps film can be used as a novel packaging material for the postharvest preservation of A. mongolicum Regel. • Polyvinyl alcohol / Pullulan / ZnO-Nps composite film was prepared. • The composite film packaging exhibited strong antibacterial properties. • The composite film packaging delayed the shelf-life of Allium mongolicum Regel. • The composite film packaging enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]