Microfibrillated Cellulose/Acetylated Starch Aerogel Loaded with 4-Terpineol for use as a Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Pad

This study utilised microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and acetylated starch (AS) as structural frameworks, with 4- terpineol (4-TA) serving as the antimicrobial agent. A multifunctional biodegradable aerogel with water absorption, antibacterial, cushioning and slow-release properties has been developed as a freshness-preserving pad for fruit and vegetables. The system analysed the effects of different mass ratios of MFC/AS on the density, porosity, mechanical properties, water absorption rate, and oil absorption rate of aerogels. Additionally, the release characteristics, antibacterial properties, and biodegradability of the aerogel were investigated. The results indicate that, the aerogel with a MFC/AS mass ratio of 1:3 has the best comprehensive performance, exhibiting a compressive strength of 0.030 ± 0.002 MPa and an springiness of 0.577 ± 0.031. It also exhibits exceptional water and oil absorption capacities, reaching 1549.40 ± 38.29% and 3887.33 ± 86.56%, respectively. Moreover, it also exhibits fine sustained-release properties, antibacterial performance and biodegradability. Following 240 h of release, more than 50% of 4-TA remained encapsulated within the aerogel. The inhibition zone diameters against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 30.37 ± 1.25 mm and 32.25 ± 1.04 mm, respectively. The application of aerogel to strawberry preservation extends their shelf life from 1 to 3 days, outperforming commercially available preservation pads. Therefore, this study offers a novel approach for the development of fruit and vegetable preservation pads.