Photodynamic bacterial inactivation by a ferulic acid-based hydrogen-bonded photoactive edible coating for fresh fruit preservation

• Published in: Food chemistry Vol. 492; no. Pt 1; p. 145335
• Main Authors: Shi, Shuo, Lan, Xi, Ding, Xiyan, Wang, Liping, Han, Ximei, Sun, Jing, Wang, Jianlong, Duan, Jinyou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15.11.2025
• Subjects: Edible coating; Ferulic acid; Fruit preservation; Photodynamic bacterial inactivation (PDI); ROS attack; Edible coating; ROS attack; Fruit preservation; Ferulic acid; Photodynamic bacterial inactivation (PDI)
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145335

Photodynamically active food packaging coatings utilizing green materials and strategies have recently garnered significant attention to address challenges in fresh fruit preservation. This study introduces a novel light-driven edible coating composed of ferulic acid (FA) cross-linked with gelatin (Gel/FA) to enhance fruit preservation. The coating was fabricated via hydrogen bonding between FA and gelatin, verified by SEM and FT-IR. Notably, the Gel/FA coating exhibited exceptional photodynamic antibacterial activity, achieving over 98.5 % inactivation of foodborne pathogens under visible light irradiation. Additionally, the Gel/FA coating demonstrated well biocompatibility and robust antioxidant properties. Preservation trials on fresh-cut apples and strawberries revealed that the Gel/FA coating significantly delayed browning, inhibited microbial spoilage, and maintained texture, total soluble solids, and pH stability during storage. The synergistic effect of Gel/FA coating and light treatment highlights its potential as a sustainable and effective strategy to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality of fresh fruits. [Display omitted] •The photodynamic activity of Ferulic acid was revealed for the first time.•Ferulic acid/gelatin coating was formed driven by intermolecular hydrogen bonds.•The antibacterial activity and ROS species of the photodynamic coating was investigated.•The photodynamic coating can facilitate the quality preservation of fresh fruits.