Biodegradable blend films of poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(propylene carbonate) for shelf life extension of whole white button mushrooms

Blend films with poly(epsilon-caprolactone)(PCL) and poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC)with thickness of approximately 40 mu m and 60 mu m, respectively, were prepared using a uniaxial-stretching extrusion process to modify the property of PCL. PCL/PPC blend films with better comprehensive properties with thickness about 60 mu m were used for equilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging of button mushrooms at 5 degrees C. The gas barrier property together with water vapor permeability were evaluated as well as its effects on the shelf life button mushrooms. The results showed that the PCL/PPC20 and PCL/PPC50 blend films have suitable gas barrier property and water vapor permeability, which was helpful to generate an appropriate storage environment and more importantly no condensation occurred in these two packages. The lower weight loss of button mushrooms was observed for PCL/PPC20 and PCL/PPC50 blend films 4.43 and 4.46, respectively. The PCL/PPC blend films was more effective in decreasing the activity of PPO and preserving the color of the button mushrooms. The over market acceptability of button mushrooms packaged in PCL/PPC blend films still maintained good and within the limit of marketability after 17 days of storage.

Automated summary

Blending PCL and PPC films for equilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging of button mushrooms at 5 degrees Celsius can effectively extend shelf life, with appropriate gas barrier properties and water vapor permeability, while also reducing weight loss of the mushrooms.