A konjac glucomannan/chitosan based composite active film: Preparation, characterization and its application in chicken preservation
摘要
To develop a novel intelligent packaging material capable of real-time food freshness monitoring and preservation, this study prepared a pH-responsive bioactive film (KCNB) by incorporating blueberry anthocyanins (BA) and nano‑zinc oxide (NanoZnO) into a konjac glucomannan/chitosan (KGM/CS) matrix. The resulting KCNB film was structurally characterized and functionally evaluated and results confirmed the successful dispersion of NanoZnO and BA within the matrix. The film exhibited excellent UV‑blocking capacity, significantly enhanced antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging rate increased to 77.57%), and effective antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus, which collectively help prevent light‑induced deterioration, chemical oxidation, and microbial spoilage. Crucially, the film displayed a reversible color transition from red to green across the pH range of 2–12, providing a basis for its function as a visual freshness indicator. When applied to chicken breast preservation, the KCNB film, through the synergistic action of these multiple functions, effectively slowed down spoilage, maintained a lower total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‑N) level, and thereby extended the shelf life by approximately 4 days compared with the control group. This study demonstrates that the developed multifunctional film holds high potential for application in intelligent bioactive packaging of meat products.